Pacific Division Rivals Clash as Lakers Visit Kings
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to face the Sacramento Kings on Monday, January 12, 2026. This game marks the third meeting between these Pacific Division rivals this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM Eastern Time at the Golden 1 Centre in Sacramento, California.
Team Records and Standings
The Lakers enter this contest with a strong 23-13 record. They currently hold fifth position in the competitive Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns trail them by just half a game in the standings.
Sacramento faces significant challenges with a 9-30 record. This places them second-to-last in the Western Conference. The Kings will also miss star guard Dennis Schroder for this matchup.
Betting Odds and Game Details
Sportsbooks list the Lakers as commanding 9.5-point favorites. The over/under for total points scored is set at 227.5. Fans can watch the entire game on SportsNet LA and NBCS-CA. Streaming options include Fubo and Peacock for online viewers.
Expected Starting Lineups
Sacramento Kings:
- PG: Russell Westbrook
- SG: Zach LaVine
- SF: Keon Ellis
- PF: DeMar DeRozan
- C: Maxime Raynaud
Los Angeles Lakers:
- PG: Luka Doncic
- SG: Marcus Smart
- SF: Rui Hachimura
- PF: LeBron James
- C: Deandre Ayton
Injury Report Updates
Sacramento Kings:
- Isaiah Stevens - Day-to-day (Signed two-year, two-way contract)
- Keegan Murray - Out (Ankle injury)
- Domantas Sabonis - Out (Knee injury)
Los Angeles Lakers:
- Adou Thiero - Out (MCL sprain)
- Austin Reaves - Out (Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain)
Game Prediction and Statistics
The Lakers demonstrate impressive performance as favorites this season. They have won 15 out of 20 games when favored on the moneyline, giving them a 75% success rate. In games where their moneyline odds were -385 or less, Los Angeles maintains a perfect 7-0 record. Statistical models give the Lakers a 79.4% probability of winning this contest.
Sacramento struggles as underdogs, winning only 7 of 36 such games this season. Their win rate improves slightly to 22.2% when facing moneyline odds of +304 or higher. The Kings have just a 24.8% implied probability of victory according to betting markets.
This Pacific Division matchup promises intense competition despite the apparent mismatch. The Lakers aim to solidify their playoff position while the Kings seek to overcome injuries and pull off an upset at home.
