By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings Davion Mitchell throws down against the Los Angeles Kings in the final pre season game at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Oct 14, 2021 (photo from sbnation.com)

The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Thursday night playing in their last preseason game of 2021. The Kings were undefeated coming into the game having beat the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trailblazers. Coming into town on Thursday was the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James was set to play in the final tuneup before the season. Tip off was set for 7 PM PST. However before we dive into the action let’s bring you up to speed on the last game.

Flashback Monday: On Monday the Kings continued their undefeated preseason by beating the Portland Trailblazers by the final of 107-93. The Kings were led in the game by impressive play from Davion Mitchell who scored 20 points.

Thursday night recap: Tip off was set in Sacramento at 7 PM PST against the Lakers.

In the first quarter, the Kings dominated the Lakers. The Kings out up an offensive outbursts of 35 points against an older Lakers defense. The Lakers, managed to put up only 23 points against the Kings as the Kings improved defense took center stage. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with eight first quarter points.

In the second quarter, the Kings didn’t fare as well. The Lakers managed to outscore the Kings 42-36 in the second quarter. The Kings offense remained in high gear, but the defense slipped as the Lakers put up a massive number. The game would go into halftime with the Kings leading 71-66. LeBron James led the Lakers in the first half with 19 points as Harrison Barnes led the Kings by scoring 15. The Kings would hope to contain the Lakers in the second half to remain undefeated in preseason.

In the third quarter, both teams cooled down. The Lakers outscored the Kings by one point scoring 22 points. The Kings only managed 21 points as the offense slowed. The Kings would maintain a lead going into the fourth quarter 92-87. The question was if they could hold the lead against the Lakers.

In the fourth quarter, both teams traded buckets. The Kings were once again outscored but only 25-24 as the Kings would hold on and go undefeated in the preseason. The Kings played a promising final game however the defense faltered late. The Kings will look to tighten that up in practice before the start of the season. The Kings were led in victory by De’Aaron Fox who scored 21 points. The Lakers were led by none other than LeBron James who scored 30 points.

Up Next: The Kings will begin the regular season on Wednesday, October 20th against the Portland Trailblazers in Portland at 7 PM PST.