Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) gets hit with a foul while driving to the hoop against the Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) in first half action at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 26, 2025 (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:
#1 How did the Kings Domantas Sabonis impact the game in terms of rebounding and inside scoring, and did the Kings get enough production from him down the stretch?
#2 With the Kings Zach LaVine listed as questionable due to illness, did he play and how did his level of play affect the Kings’ offensive rhythm?
#3 How effective was the Kings Russell Westbrook in his role — did he provide the veteran leadership and playmaking the Kings hoped for?
#4 Did the Kings get a meaningful contribution from DeMar DeRozan, and how did his performance compare to expectations in this game?
#5 Given the Kings allowed 127 points, what defensive breakdowns or weak matchups stood out, and which Kings player(s) were primarily responsible for trying (but perhaps failing) to stop the Lakers’ attack?
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after the Lakers made a basket against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jeremiah Salmonson
DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — As the NBA reels from the worst gambling scandal since 2007, the Los Angeles Lakers came into Golden 1 Center and shot 46 free throws in a game where the Kings attempted only 18. That was the story of the night as the Kings lost to the Lakers 127-120 on Sunday night in Sacramento.
In the first quarter, the Lakers, without LeBron James or Luka Dončić, outscored the Kings 36-27 to take an early lead. The Kings’ defense wasn’t doing a sufficient job keeping the Lakers out of the paint, as 18 of their 36 points came there. The Kings’ bench was a nonfactor offensively in the first quarter, failing to score a single point. Zach LaVine, as he did in Friday’s win over the Jazz, got off to a red-hot start, scoring 11 points in the opening period. The Kings shot 47% from the field compared to the Lakers’ 63%.
In the second quarter, led by Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, the Kings got back into the game before halftime. Westbrook and DeRozan combined for 22 points in the quarter to tie the game 62-62 heading into the break. The Kings’ defense picked up in the second quarter, holding the Lakers to 26 points while scoring 35 of their own. Sacramento shot 47% in the first half compared to Los Angeles’ 52%—a significant decline from the Lakers’ first-quarter percentage, which showed the Kings were beginning to settle in defensively.
In the third quarter, Austin Reaves torched the Kings and led the Lakers to outscore Sacramento 33-28, giving Los Angeles a 95-90 advantage entering the fourth. It was at this point in the game that the free throw discrepancy—39 to 11 in favor of the Lakers, became particularly glaring. While not all of the fouls seemed legitimate, as evidenced by Doug Christie’s two successful challenges, the Kings weren’t playing disciplined defense and were reaching. Still, that much of a difference didn’t sit well with the Kings.
In the fourth quarter, the Lakers continued to attack the Kings on the offensive end and control the paint. Sacramento trailed 117-109 with 3:40 to play as Austin Reaves stayed red hot in the second half. From that point on, the Kings outscored the Lakers 11-10 in the closing minutes, but it wasn’t nearly enough as they fell 127-120 at Golden 1 Center.
Austin Reaves finished with an incredible 51 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists in a career night without Luka and LeBron in the lineup. On the Kings’ side, Zach LaVine scored 32 points and has now posted 30 or more in every game this season. He joins Jack Twyman (1959-60), Oscar Robertson (1961-62, 1965-66), and Tiny Archibald (1972-73) as the only Kings to score 30 points in the first three games of a season.
Speaking on LaVine’s start to the season, Doug Christie was highly complimentary of his defensive effort.
“Zach is playing at a really, really high level. I mean, I’m not even really concerned with the points. He’s competing on the defensive end, which is mad love. The defensive commitment that he continues to show is to be commended.”
As it related to the game overall, Christie was visibly distraught afterward when discussing the officiating.
“Forty-six, you said?” Christie responded after James Ham pointed out the free throw discrepancy. “I mean, we got to play defense without fouling, obviously, but there are two teams on the floor, so it’s wild. It’s wild. It’s wild.”
DeMar DeRozan echoed a similar sentiment, appearing in disbelief as he confirmed that Austin Reaves shot 22 free throws.
“Forty-six free throws was crazy to our 18, I don’t know,” DeRozan said after the game. “I got to go back and look, but like I said, 46 free throws is crazy. It’s crazy.”
Crazy or not, the Kings have yet to show a consistent ability to play high-level defense. Defense and fight remain the mantra Doug Christie has tried to instill in this group, but it hasn’t taken root yet, and the frustration is starting to show within the locker room.
Up Next
The Kings will head out on the road for a four-game trip. Their first stop will be in Oklahoma City on Tuesday as they take on the Thunder at 5 p.m. PST. The Kings will return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, November 5.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) tries to get a pass away while under pressure from Miami Hurricanes defensive back Kelonte Scott (0) in the first half at Hard Stadium Miami on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)
Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:
#1 Stanford Cardinal (3-5) in the first half of their game in Miami against the Miami Hurricanes (6-1) was under control and it looked as if this might turn out to be a tight ball game as it wound up as a 7-7 tie after the first half.
#2 Second half it was just a blow out the Cardinal defense couldn’t shut down the Miami offense in the third quarter the Hurricane scored 21 points and in the fourth quarter the Hurricane scored 14 to put frosting on the cake for the 42-7.
#3 The Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck had lots of time to throw in the second half and piled up points for the win. Beck went 21-28, 189 yards and one touchdown.
#4 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson struggled all afternoon completing only nine passes out of 21 attempts for 50 yards and one touchdown. Gulbranson was running for his life in the second half and couldn’t move the ball to the other end.
#5 Next up for the Cardinal the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-2). Pitt is on a roll they crushed the NC State Wolfpack (4-4) 53-34 on Saturday. Pitt’s quarterback Mason Heintschel had his way going 28-48 for 423 yards, three touchdowns. Will Stanford have their hands full again with another quarterback who could have all day to throw?
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws against the Houston Texans pass rush in the second half at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sun Oct 26, 2025 (AP News photo)
San Francisco 49ers podcast David Zizmor:
#1 San Francisco 49ers (5-3) Mac Jones couldn’t get his passes where he wanted them in the end zone. Jones threw 19-32, 193 yards and one touchdown.
#2 Texans quarterback CJ Stroud scored in low or medium numbers but good enough to hold the 49ers back for the 25-16 win. Stroud led the Texans going 30-39 for 318 yards and two touchdowns and threw one interception.
#3 Up next up for the San Francisco 49ers it’s off to the Meadowlands and the New York Giants (2-6) the Giants have lost his last three of their last four games. The Giants took a tough loss on Sunday to the Philadelphia Eagles 38-20. Can the 49ers overcome Sunday’s tough loss next Sunday at Giants Stadium.
Miami Heat’s Tony Rozier leaves the Orlando Federal Courthouse through a side door after an arraignment on Thu Oct 23, 2025 (AP News photo)
Investigation of the Mafia-NBA Gambling Scandal
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
The current investigation of the Mafia and NBA gambling continues, and could make the 1919 eight Chicago White Sox players banned for life after throwing the World Series on equal footing, the numerous PED scandals, with many players’ suspensions, the Pete Rose ban from baseball because of gambling charges, and the most recent the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal look all trivial in comparison.
This could be the “tip of the iceberg,” said one popular ESPN commentator on TV, referring to the current investigation Recently, before the Warriors’ game against Denver, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr was asked about this current NBA scandal. He responded, “The biggest thing is that our players face a lot of wrath from fans,” referencing the barrage of hostile messages athletes now receive, especially from those with money riding on the outcome.
Kerr was talking about the fans, and I agree that fans do not have a right, because they bet on a game, to harass or intimidate him or his team, because a fan made a certain bet and Kerr made a substitution, and that fan felt it cost him to lose money on his legal bet.
With all due respect to the Warriors coach, I understand what he is saying and agree with his statement, but as of today, nobody knows whether this scandal involves basketball fans who bet on NBA games. It is legal for adults to bet on sports in the US.
More than 30 people have been arrested in this recent FBI investigation into illegal gambling, match-fixing, and a mafia-backed poker scheme, and so far those arrested include NBA players, a head coach, and organized crime members. Are there also fans among the people over 30 who have been arrested so far?
We do not know, or those in the know have not told us yet. Here are all the major sports outfits in the country: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Bet365, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook,BetRivers. There are also a bunch of sites that are dedicated exclusively to horse racing.
The Warriors’ success at the box office is nothing new. The Golden State Warriors sold out games with great frequency during their time in Oakland, especially during their championship-winning years . The team amassed a long consecutive sellout streak that began in Oakland and continued after their move to San Francisco.
I remember those years when I was their first and only, to date, Spanish play-by-play announcer for all their games, home and away. The Warriors have always been a very popular team in the Bay Area, whether they played in Oakland or in San Francisco.
On a lighter note: A good friend of mine told me that the prices for food at the Warriors games at Chase Center in San Francisco are so high that a hot dog costs $8.50 and a beer is as high as $20. But once they’re inside, they know those are the prices; it’s like an island, they cannot leave. Which I responded, What do you expect? They play at the Chase Center, Chase is a huge US Bank.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck Jr drops back on the Stanford Cardinal pass rush in the first half at Hard Rock Cafe Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Daniel Dullum
No. 9 Miami (Fla.) used a big second half to pull away from Stanford 42-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference football Saturday in Miami.
The game was tied 7-7 at halftime before the Hurricanes (6-1 overall, 2-1 ACC) scored 21 points in the third quarter and 14 more in the fourth while shutting out Stanford for over three quarters.
Miami rolled up 404 yards in total offense to 144 for the Cardinal (3-5 overall, 2-3 ACC).
Mark Fletcher Jr. 106 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Miami attack. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 21 of 28 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, and Jordan Lyle and Girard Pringle Jr. each ran for a touchdown.
“Mark Fletcher showed why he’s such a great player and why he’s so important to this football team.” Miami coach Mario Cristobal told AP.
The Hurricanes’ Malachi Toney contributed 138 all-purpose yards – 73 on two punt returns.
Cole Tabb was the Cardinal’s leading rusher with 64 yards in the first-ever football meeting between the schools. Ben Gulbranson threw a touchdown pass to Caden High in the first quarter. Gulbranson completed five of his first six passes or 31 yards, but as 4 for 15 for 19 yards with two interceptions after his successful start.
“I thought our defense did a pretty good job in the first half … and then they got after us real good in the second half,” Stanford head coach Frank Reich told AP.
Miami outscored the Cardinal 35-0 in the second half. After Stanford scored its early touchdown, it only had 25 total yards in its next eight possessions.
The Cardinal host Pittsburgh next Saturday with a 12:30 p.m. Pacific kickoff at Stanford Stadium.
San Jose Barracuda forward Colin White (#16) celebrates his third period and eventual game winning goal against the Milwaukee Admirals with his teammates at Tech CU Arena on Saturday OCT 25, 2025. (Bridget Whitaker-Bay Area Sports Wrap)
by Marko Ukalovic
SAN JOSE — Colin White picked a good time to score his first goal of the season.
White’s heroics in the third period gave the San Jose Barracuda a 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday evening at Tech CU Arena.
San Jose snapped its three-game losing streak as it split the series with the Admirals. Milwaukee has started the season splitting its first four games.
The game winning goal began when Luca Cagnoni’s shot from the point was initially saved by Admirals (and former Cuda) goalie Magnus Chrona. Igor Chernyshev collected the puck, went around the net before centering the puck out in front of the crease. Egor Afanasyev’s shot attempt was blocked in front, but White pounced on the rebound and went top shelf for his first goal of the season at the 7:08 mark of the final frame.
Milwaukee (2-2-0) continued its success on the power play from last night as they drew the game’s first goal on the man advantage early in the first period. Jake Lucchini’s shot from the point was initially save by Cuda goalie Jakub Skarek but Ryan Ufko cleaned up the rebound with a quick wrist shot to the short side for his second goal of the season at the 7:37 mark.
The Admirals have scored five power plays in six attempts during the weekend series against the Barracuda.
San Jose (2-3-0) evened the score late in the opening frame with an even strength goal. Ethan Cardwell finished off a give-and-go with Luca Cagnoni inside Milwaukee’s zone when he beat Chrona with a backhand shot through the five-hole for his second goal of the season at the 13:20 mark.
The Barracuda gained its first lead on the power play late in the middle frame. Cagnoni blasted a shot from the point past a screened Chrona for his second goal of the season at the 13:12 mark. Afanasyev picked up his first point in a Cuda sweater with the primary assist. Quentin Musty was credited with the secondary assist.
Milwaukee scored the equalizer with 65 seconds left in the period. The puck hit off of the right boards past an outstretched Cagnoni who fell to the ice. Oasiz Wiesblatt hopped over Cagnoni, gathered the puck and beat Skarek with a wrist shot to the short side for his second goal of the season and second in as many games.
Skarek finished the match stopping 20 of the 22 shots he faced to earn his second win of the season. Chrona made 36 saves on 39 shots in the losing effort.
GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the game 2-for-5 on the power play. Milwaukee was 1-for-2.
The Three Stars of the Game: 1) White 2) Cagnoni 3) Afanasyev.
UP NEXT: San Jose travels down to San Diego for a midweek tilt with the Gulls on Wednesday October 29 at 7:00pm at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
LeBron James (left) seated next to Bronny James (center) and forward Rui Hachimura (right) as the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Golden State Warriors on Tue Oct 21, 2025 at Crypto Arena in Los Angeles (AP News photo)
Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:
#1 The Los Angeles Lakers are coming to Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sunday night. LeBron James will be scratched out of the line up as he is reportedly suffering from a sciatic nerve on his right side and will be out of commission for three to four weeks.
#2 There has been talk that the LeBron had been allegedly named in connection with the NBA gambling scandal as his injury reports were being sold that gave gamblers an inside track to betting Lakers games.
#3 In the indictment, a key individual is Damon Jones (former NBA player, former unofficial Lakers helper) who is accused of passing along non-public information about player injuries/availability to bettors.
#4 Back to the Sacramento Kings they’re coming off a 105-104 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Zach LaVine led with 31 points. LaVine should be key for the Kings in scoring for this season.
#5 Kings host the Lakers Sunday, LeBron is out of the lineup does that give the Kings a leg up also with the home floor advantage?
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
New Jersey Devils Dawson Mercer (91) and San Jose Sharks Philipp Kurashev (right) battle for the puck in the first period at the Prudential Center Newark NJ on Fri Oct 24, 2025 (AP News photo)
San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa
#1 The New Jersey Devils Dougie Hamilton got two goals against the San Jose Sharks and they were key goals enough to get by the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Friday night at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
#2 New Jersey came in hot with the win they pick up their seventh win in a row going into this one the Sharks knew they would have their hands full against the Devils?
#3 New Jersey’s Connor Brown added a goal and Nico Hischier picked up two assists and the Devils have not lost a game since opening night when the bowed to the Carolina Hurricanes.
#4 Tough luck for San Jose who have now lost their seventh game out of their last eight dropping their record to 1-5-2.
#5 The Sharks conclude this five game road trip against the Minnesota Wild Sun Oct 26th. The Wild have been struggling losing four of their last five games. The Wild lost their last game to New Jersey 4-1 last Wed Oct 22nd at the Prudential Center.
Dennis Schröder #17, Zach Lavine #8 and Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings react after they beat the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings opened their 2025-2026 home schedule on Friday night in a game against the Utah Jazz. The Kings, who lost their opening game of the season on Wednesday in Phoenix 120-116, bounced back in front of their home crowd defeating the Jazz 105-104.
In the first quarter, the difference really came down to shooting. The Kings outscored the Jazz 31-24 and shot 55% from the floor compared to just 39% for Utah. Zach LaVine led the charge on offense, scoring 15 points in the quarter to give Sacramento the early advantage.
“I always feel comfortable scoring,” LaVine said after the game. “That’s never been a problem. I felt really good last year. That was one of my best years last year. Just keep it rolling, keep focusing on my work…”
In the second quarter, the Kings again benefited from the lackluster shooting of the Jazz, who connected on just 39% of their shots. However, Sacramento failed to pull away as they shot only 32% from the field themselves. The Jazz outscored the Kings 22-18, and the Kings led 49-46 heading into halftime. Dennis Schröder and LaVine led the Kings in the first half with 11 and 15 points, respectively.
In the third quarter, the Kings again couldn’t extend their lead on the Jazz as both teams found their offensive rhythm. Sacramento was outscored 30-29 in the period as Utah pulled a bit closer, trailing 78-76 heading into the final quarter. LaVine added nine more points in the third to bring his total to 24 through three quarters.
In the fourth, the Kings held on despite being outscored 28-27, managing to retain their one-point advantage and beat the Jazz 105-104 thanks to a big game-ending defensive stop by Schröder.
Head coach Doug Christie was impressed with the last play of the game by Schröder and how it represented the kind of effort that will lead to success for the team.
“…If you guys watch, this team scored 130 points versus a really good defensive Clippers team,” Christie said after the game. “For us to come in and hold them to three 20-point quarters and only one 30-point quarter just signifies that it is possible—you can do it now. The consistency with which you approach that is going to be the most important piece to the puzzle.”
The Kings lost a number of traditionally important battles on Friday night. They were outscored in the paint (48-36), had fewer points off turnovers (21-15), fewer fast-break points (15-6), and fewer second-chance points (12-9). Still, the Kings managed to pull off the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win—and that’s something Christie expects his team to do: win ugly games.
“I think one of the signs of a good team, and a team that is starting to come together, is that you win ugly as well. It’s not always going to be pretty. You win ugly. This one tonight, though, this was a team win.”
A team win it was, indeed. LaVine led the Kings with 31 points on 55% shooting in the victory, while Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double in his first game of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Malik Monk added 20 points, and Schröder contributed 17 points and five rebounds.
It was a big win for the Kings’ new group as they continue to implement new systems early in the season.
Russell Westbrook spoke after the game about the whirlwind of getting acclimated to a new team and atmosphere while working through the growing pains with a new group.
“You know what, it’s funny—I was just talking, telling my wife that, I mean, just last, what was it? What’s today, Friday? Saturday [last week], I was at home chilling, hanging out. I hadn’t played five-on-five in, I don’t know, since last year. So it’s my second five-on-five game. I’ll be fine. I’m in shape. The rhythm and all that stuff will come, but I’m not really worried about it at all, to be honest.”
It wasn’t pretty, but it marked the Kings’ first home-opening win since the Golden 1 Center opened in 2016.
Up Next
The Kings will stay home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 6 p.m. PST at Golden 1 Center.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Sports Radio Service 