The Los Angeles Lakers showcased a revamped defensive approach in a 127-103 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at Golden 1 Center. The Lakers emphasized full-court pressure, switching, and aggressive ball-hawking, reflecting a new defensive identity under coach JJ Redick.
From the outset, the Lakers disrupted Sacramento’s offense, forcing a shot-clock violation on the Kings’ first possession. Sacramento star guard Luka Doncic led his team with 21 points despite limited support, as key players Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves were sidelined due to injuries. Kessler sat out with a jammed left pinky finger suffered during practice, while Reaves missed the game with an ankle issue but participated in pregame warmups and is not expected to face a long-term absence. The Lakers also missed guard Collin Sexton and two-way forward Arthur Kaluma, who were out with lower-body injuries.
Doncic took a hard knee to the thigh midway through the second quarter but remained in play. With the Lakers ahead by 26 points at halftime, he did not return for the second half. The team’s shooting was bolstered by a strong collective effort, especially from beyond the arc. While Doncic made three of nine three-point attempts in the first half, his teammates connected on nine of their first 13 attempts from deep.
Ziaire Williams contributed 13 points on a flawless three-for-three from long range and led the Lakers defensively with a steal while serving as the primary on-ball defender. Matisse Thybulle, a key offseason addition known for his defensive prowess, added two steals and two three-pointers himself. Alongside Williams and Thybulle, second-year forward Adou Thiero and guard Quentin Grimes were integral in the Lakers’ “line of confrontation” defensive strategy, applying pressure full court and disrupting ball handlers early.
The Lakers forced 15 steals overall, a marked increase from their average of 8.5 steals per game last season. Redick noted that this aggressive approach is a new emphasis for the team. “I think for the first time since I’ve been here, we have multiple guys that go pick up the ball full court and be disruptive at the point of attack,” he said before the game.
Despite the injuries and the preseason context, the Lakers controlled the game against a Kings squad expected to struggle again this season. Sacramento rookie point guard Darius Acuff, selected seventh overall in last April’s draft, scored 19 points with four assists but also committed five turnovers.
The Lakers look to continue refining their defensive identity as they prepare for their regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21. At this stage, Monday’s performance offered an encouraging glimpse of the team’s potential defensive versatility and depth moving forward.