The Los Angeles Lakers are set for a crucial home game as they welcome the Sacramento Kings to the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET (6:30 PM PT). The Lakers, reeling from a three-game losing streak, desperately need a win to stabilize their campaign, while the Kings look to build on a recent victory despite their challenging season record.
Team Form and Injury Concerns
Both franchises enter this Western Conference matchup grappling with significant injury woes. The Lakers' slide has coincided with a spate of absences. Key guard Austin Reaves is ruled out with a calf issue, while Gabe Vincent (back) is also sidelined. Big men Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is doubtful and Drew Timme (concussion) is questionable, depleting their frontcourt options.
The Sacramento Kings' situation is arguably more severe. They will be without their star big man Domantas Sabonis (ankle), along with Zach LaVine (ankle) and Keegan Murray (calf). Devin Carter and Drew Eubanks round out a lengthy injury list, forcing the team to rely heavily on their remaining healthy players.
Expected Lineups and Key Players
With injuries forcing adjustments, the projected starting fives present an intriguing battle. The Lakers are expected to field a lineup featuring Luka Doncic at point guard, alongside Marcus Smart. Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton are slated to complete the frontcourt. The onus will be on the superstar duo of James and Doncic to orchestrate the offense and halt the losing run.
For the visiting Kings, Russell Westbrook is projected to start at point guard, bringing his trademark energy against his former city rivals. He will likely be joined by Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa, and French center Maxime Raynaud. The Kings, holding an 8-23 record and sitting 14th in the West, will need a collective effort to challenge the Lakers on the road.
Game Prediction and Viewing Details
Oddsmakers heavily favor the home team, installing the Lakers (19-10) as 13.5-point favorites. The total points over/under is set at 231.5. Interestingly, the Lakers have surpassed this total in 15 of their 29 games this season. Games involving the Kings have gone over this line in 19 instances, roughly 61.3% of the time. The combined average points per game for both teams is 228.9, slightly below the set total.
For fans in India and worldwide, the game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area and Spectrum SportsNet. Online viewers can catch the action via streaming services Fubo and Peacock. This home stand represents a critical opportunity for the Lakers to regain momentum before the New Year, while the Kings aim to play spoiler and secure a rare back-to-back victory.
