Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) makes way against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in second half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Dec 21, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings (17-13) did not welcome Lebron “King” James and the Los Angeles Lakers (13-18) into their kingdom and threw them into the moat surrounding Golden 1 Center 134-120.

The Lakers actually had the advantage after the first 12 minutes of play, 26-25 in a quarter that had 10 lead changes and five ties.

The Kings managed to take the lead at the midway point of the contest with veteran forward and champion, Harrison Barnes led the charge with 14 points and totaled 20 for the game. At the half, 66-58 Kings.

Sacramento blew it open in the third quarter, with a lead as large as 23 points and they went on a 14-0 run in the 3/4 portion of the game, leading by 20, 106-86.

The fourth was just a formality, as the Kings held on to win by 14, despite being outscored by six at the hands of the Lakers, Final tally, 134-120 for the home team.

The Kings had six players in double-figures, spearheaded by guard Kevin Huerter’s 26 points and center Domantas Sabonis’ triple-double (13 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists). Forward Keegan Murray contributed a career high 23 points and star guard De’Arron Fox put up 22 points and 6 assists, but was ejected from the game for amassing two technical fouls.

The Lakers had the entire starting five hit double-figures in points too, but of course led Lebron James’ 31 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds. Even with the loss in emphatic fashion, James expressed his fondness of Sacramento, because it is the city where everything started with his magnificent career.

The Kings will be in action again, Friday December 23, hosting the Washington Wizards. The Lakers will head back down south to welcome the Charlotte Hornets, also December 23.