LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 19 | 2024-25 NBA season
The LA Lakers face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday to start a two-game mini-series. Los Angeles, which won 131-127, hopes to get another win against the hosts. The Lakers also look to earn their first back-to-back victories since racking up six straight in mid-November.
The Kings aim to bounce back from a heartbreaking 130-129 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Domantas Sabonis could be held out when they host the Lakers after taking a hard fall against the Nuggets. De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are healthy, so they will lead the Kings.
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings: Injury Report
LA Lakers injury report
Christian Wood (surgery recovery), Jarred Vanderbilt (surgery recovery), Jalen Hood-Schifino (hamstring) and Jaxson Hayes are unavailable against the Kings. LeBron James is questionable due to a sore left foot. Anthony Davis (fasciitis) has been ruled probable but likely to play.
Sacramento Kings injury report
Devin Carter is inactive as he recovers from left shoulder surgery. Kevin Huerter (joint), Keegan Murray (ankle) and Domantas Sabonis (back) are questionable.
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings: predicted starting lineups and depth chart
LA Lakers predicted starting lineup and depth chart
Sacramento Kings predicted starting lineup and depth chart
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings: Key matchups
Anthony Davis versus Domantas Sabonis
Anthony Davis vs Domantas Sabonis are always physical battles on both ends of the floor. If Domas is cleared to play, he gets another opportunity to tangle with the Lakers superstar, who leads his team in scoring and rebounding.
Sabonis consistently plays well against Davis, but it remains to be seen how effective he could be if he has back issues. The versatile big man is often Sacramento’s fulcrum on offense. If Davis can slow him down, the Lakers have a good chance to win on the road.
De’Aaron Fox versus Max Christie
Lakers coach JJ Redick inserted Max Christie into the starting lineup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday to shadow Ja Morant. Christie helped limit Morant to 20 points on 6-for-21 shooting. He faces another unenviable task when he takes on De’Aaron Fox.
Fox can dictate games with his rim attacks, playmaking and crucial shotmaking. If the game goes down the wire, stopping the former Clutch Player of the Year will likely be Christie’s responsibility.
DeMar DeRozan versus LeBron James
LeBron James is questionable, but if he plays, guarding him will likely fall on DeMar DeRozan’s shoulders. James has struggled, but he has the size advantage over Deebo. DeRozan can get back at James by having the four-time MVP fight through screens.
The two have had fierce battles in the past. Thursday’s matchup should add another page to their one-on-one showdowns over the years.