Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 28 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Sacramento Kings and the LA Lakers will face each other at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday. It will mark their second meeting of the season, with the Lakers securing a 127-120 win in the previous game.

Both teams enter the matchup with contrasting results. The Lakers suffered a 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets, while the Kings recorded a 113-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Los Angeles (19-10) dropped to fifth in the West following that defeat, while the Sacramento Kings (8-23) retained 14th place in the standings.

The Lakers will look to build on their 7–5 home record on Sunday, while the Kings will need to improve on their poor 3–13 road mark if they hope to come away with the win.

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Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Kings +470, Lakers -650

Spread: Kings +12.5 (-112), Lakers -12.5 (-108)

Total over/under (o/u): Kings o234.5 (-112), Lakers u234.5 (-108)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers preview

The Sacramento Kings have endured a tough start to the season and remain one of just three teams in the Western Conference yet to reach 10 wins. However, they have begun to build some momentum, winning two of their last three games

Despite the recent shift in momentum, the Kings remain among the league’s poorest performers. They own the third-worst offense, averaging 112.0 ppg, and are similarly struggling on the defensive end, giving up 122.5 points per contest.

Zach LaVine has been their best performer this season, averaging 20.2 ppg. However, with the former Bulls star out injured, DeMar DeRozan has been the Kings' most consistent player, averaging 19.0 points per game and 3.6 assists per game.

On the other hand, the LA Lakers are enduring their toughest stretch of the season. After avoiding back-to-back losses for much of the year, they now enter this matchup having dropped three straight games.

Their slump has been fueled by offensive struggles, scoring 100+ points just once in their last three games. That dip has lowered their average to 116.9 ppg (13th), while their defense continues to lag, allowing 117.4 ppg, 19th in the league.

Luka Doncic remains the Lakers' best player, with the Slovenian averaging 33.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 8.7 apg. His backcourt partner, Austin Reaves, has been the next best player, recording 26.6 ppg.

Both teams will be shorthanded for this matchup. The Lakers will be without Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent, while Jaxson Hayes and Drew Timme remain questionable.

Meanwhile, the Kings will be missing Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Devin Carter, Drew Eubanks, and Domantas Sabonis.

Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers predicted starting fives

Sacramento Kings predicted starting five

PG- Dennis Schroder, SG- Russell Westbrook, SF- DeMar DeRozan, PF Precious Achiuwa, C- Maxime Raynaud

LA Lakers predicted starting five

PG- Luka Doncic, SG- Marcus Smart, SF- LeBron James, PF- Rui Hachimura, C- Denadre Ayton

Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers betting tips

DeMar DeRozan is expected to record over 19.5 points. He is averaging 19.0 ppg this season.

Luka Doncic is expected to record over 34.5 points. He is averaging 33.7 ppg this season.

Russell Westbrook is expected to collect over 6.5 rebounds. He is averaging 6.9 rebounds per game.

Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers predictions

The LA Lakers enter as 12.5-point favorites, largely due to their stronger overall record and the Kings’ poor road form. That said, the Lakers are well-positioned to bounce back on Sunday.

Prediction: Lakers to win by 7 points or less.

Edited by Arian Kashyap