Kings Get Crushed by Luka Doncic and Lakers 125-101

Sacramento Kings guard Luka Donic (77) takes a fade away shot against the Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) and guard Keon Ellis (23) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sun Dec 29, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Sacramento Kings (8-24) took on the los Angeles Lakers (20-10). This game was fairly close after the first quarter but the Lakers continued to extend their lead as the game wore on.

The final was 125-101 a total domination by the Lakers. Los Angeles had as much as a 30 point lead in the game and Luka Doncic was unstoppable finishing with 34 points. The Kings played catch-up the entire game. The high scorer for the Kings tonight was DeMar DeRozan with 22 points.

Game recap: The Lakers got after it in the opening quarter of the game leading after the first 12 minutes of play 30-24. At halftime, the Lakers continued to extend their lead. They outscored the Kings 38-29 in the second quarter taking a 68-53 lead into the locker at the half.

Their 15 point lead at the half was their largest lead of the game so far. Luka Doncic was presenting all sorts of problems for Sacramento scoring 24 points in the opening half. LeBron James had 12 points and between James and Doncic were doing a fair amount of the heaving lifting.

Going into the second half, the Kings had to find a way to contain both James and Doncic. Sacramento’s percentage from the line was not at all impressive shooting at 67% especially since the Lakers were hitting 89% of their free throws.

Turnovers had been a problem for the Kings in the opening half already with 11 compared to the Lakers clean play with only four turnovers. The Lakers were cleaning up in the paint as well. Los Angeles was also dominating from beyond the arc. The Kings had a lot of work to do in the second half of this game and having to operate so terribly short-handed it would be an epic challenge for the team. The only Sacramento player in double digits in the first half was DeMar DeRozan.

This game continued on the same path in the third quarter with the Lakers pushing their lead further and further out. Four minutes into the quarter the Lakers had a 26-point lead 81-55. The Kings were so far behind the eight ball chances for a second win in a row were just about extinguished.

The Lakers continued to maintain at least a 20-point lead throughout the third quarter. Los Angeles had a vice-like grip on this game and showed little signs of letting up. With Doncic taking his 31 points into the fourth quarter he was dominating the game. The Lakers outscored the Kings in the third quarter 31-27 taking a 99-80 lead into the fourth.

The Lakers cruised through the fourth quarter taking as much as a 30 point lead. They outscored the Kings in the final quarter 23-19 and that was the ball game. The final was 125-101 in favor of Los Angeles. Luka Doncic finished the game with 34 points; he was unstoppable and alongside LeBron who had 24 points they simply dominated from start to finish. The Laker’s Nick Smith Jr. had a banner day off the bench scoring 21 points in 23 minutes. His play certainly impacted this game.

The Kings with their bevy of injured starters struggled from start to finish. They fell further and further behind with each quarter. DeMar DeRozan had the high for the team with 22 points. Maxime Raynaud had a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, certainly a bright spot in this game. Three bench players finished the game with 11 points apiece. Dennis Schroeder, Malik Monk and Nique Glifford accounted for 33 points of the 43 scored off the bench.

Game notes: After beating the Mavericks 113-107 Saturday night at home, the Kings jetted off to Los Angeles for a game against the Lakers (20-10) Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. This was a rough game for Sacramento having to contain not only LeBron James but also Luka Doncic and a host of offensive weapons in Dennis Ayton, Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura.

The Kings were really short-handed with Domantas Sabonis (Meniscus tear), Zach LaVine (left ankle sprain), Keegan Murray (right calf strain) and Devon Carter (left ankle sprain). This is nothing new for the Kings in fact the Kings has not played at full-strength all season.

Murray missed a slew of games to start the season and he is now out for more than likely a month. The Kings have been battling injury all season and along with less than stellar play on the court this team will no doubt look a whole lot different after the trade deadline has come and gone.

The Lakers will be missing the play of Austin Reeves expected to miss a month out with a left calf strain. The Lakers starting roster Saturday night still presented a major challenge for Sacramento.

Next up for the Kings will be this coming Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite having a 10-23 record, the Clippers are highly favored. Until the Sacramento Kings can get on court without more than half of their starters out, this is going to be a rough road to traverse. Tipoff for this game is a late one scheduled for 8:00 PM PT.

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 podcast Daniel Dullum: Cardinal keep it going with 11th win 88-80 over CSUN

Ebuka Okorie of the Stanford Cardinal takes the ball down the floor against the Cal State Northridge Matadors at Maples Pavilion on Sat Dec 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal picked up a key win improving their record to 11-2 and got the consistent offense that they’ve for most of this season staying on top of their visitors the Cal State Northridge Matadors (8-6).

#2 Daniel the Matadors started the first half going back into the dressing room at the half taking a 38-33 lead and maybe a shot at beating the Cardinal at home did they get too over confident or was Stanford just laying in wait to put this one away in the second half?

#3 Cardinal Ebuka Okorie led with 30 points. He was key in the Cardinal’s last game and he once again came through with another successful outing taking out the legs of the Matodors defense.

#4 The other Cardinal Chisom Okpara scored ten points less than Okorie with 20 and was second in scoring it was enough to help beat the Matadors by eight points to come away with a 88-80 win.

#5 Next up for the Cardinal the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame had snapped a four game losing streak with a win on Sun Dec 21 over Purdue 72-69. The Cardinal are rolling, Daniel how do you see this match up Tue Dec 30th at Maples Pavilion.

Join Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast Morris Phillips: 49ers get by Bears 42-38 in a razor close contest on Sunday Night Football; Season finale moved to Saturday vs. Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy celebrates in the end zone after scoring a first half touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday Night Football Dec 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Francisco 49ers podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers (11-4) played a back and forth game against the Chicago Bears picking up their 11th win of the season against the Chicago Bears (11-4) 42-38.

#2 Both teams were evenly matched and it came right down to the end of the wire where the Bears in the fourth quarter scored ten points and the 49ers got seven. The Bears fought as hard as they could but the 49ers edged it out in the end.

#3 For the 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had another big game throwing 24-33, 303 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

#4 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carried 23 times, 140 yards, and scored a touchdown he was key in this win.

#5 Next up for the 49ers the Seattle Seahawks to close out the regular season. The Seahawks are on a six game win streak and won their last game against the Carolina Panthers 27-10 Sunday. The Seahawks are 13-3 and are having a great season. How do you see this match up next Sat Jan 3rd at Levi Stadium?

Morris Phillips filled in for David Zizmor who does the 49ers podcasts after home and away games at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez: Ker Plunk!! Raiders drop tenth straight game in a row to lowly Giants 34-10

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker (99) tackles New York Giants wide receiver Wan Dale Robinson (17) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 28, 2025 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) defense just simply could not shut down the New York Giants (3-13) offense and quarterback Jaxson Dart who threw for 207 yards, 22-30.

#2 The Giants in the second and third quarters got plenty of scoring production with ten points in each of those quarters Dart scored two touchdowns as the Giants offense did all the work in the 34-10 win.

#3 The Raiders just couldn’t muster enough offense to make this a game. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was 20-28 for 176 yards with one touchdown. For Smith was this a matter of not getting enough receiving yards to get some scores or the run game just couldn’t get enough yardage.

#4 Rich how much of an impact was the Giants defense in stopping the Raiders from attempting to put points on the board.

#5 With the loss the Raiders might be on their way to getting that first round draft pick out of the NFL draft in former Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Join Rich Perez after every home and away Raiders game for the Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal charged the Matadors 88-80, inside the Maples Pavilion ring

Ebuka Okorie Stanford Cardinal guard takes the ball up the floor against the Northridge Matadors in NCAA action at Maples Pavilion on Sat Dec 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (11-2, 0-0 ACC) ended their non-conference schedule with a convincing 88-80 victory over the California State University – Northridge Matadors (8-6, 1-1 Big West), Saturday Evening on the Farm.

CSUN got the scoring going in the Golden State battle with a single free throw conversion.  That slight lead was a theme for the first half and the Southern Californian guests.  The first 20 minutes was competitive, with six lead changes and three ties.

However, the Matadors dominated the time of leadership (17:20), despite the early back and forth scuffle.  CSUN shot 50% from both the floor and beyond the arc..  Stanford, on the other hand, was a putrid 36% from 2, and 17% from Threeland.  They also led by a high of 9 points, and had two significant runs (6-0 & 7-0).  While the Cardinal led by two for their highest  lead, but kept themself at a single-digit deficit (5) by recess, 38-33.

During the initial 20-minute block, only two players eclipsed the 10+ points plateau.  Chisom Okpara scored 14 points for the Cardinal, and senior guard Larry Hughes II put up an impressive 19 points, with five 3-pointers on a scintillating shooting clip.  Hughes is the son of former NBA player Larry Hughes.

After the intermission, the Cardinal went on a 13-0 run to start the second half in under two minutes of gametime play.  They went from trailing by five, to being up by eight in the blink of an eye.  Freshman sensation Ebuka Okorie was the key hooper to spearhead that TREEmendous push.  He more than doubled his first half output and made school history again in his brief tenure on the Farm.

Okorie’s 30 points marked the second straight game (32) for him amassing at least that amount of point production.  Last time it was done in 2010 by Landry Fields.  However, Fields was a senior, so Okorie is the only freshman to do the unprecedented Cardinal deed.

CSUN did not give up the fight, as they managed to be tied twice, and lost the lead change permanently.  Hughes II added a modest seven points to his total, but they needed a little more to take down the Tree.  Four other teammates contributed double-figure scoring, but it was not enough after the 40-minute time limit elapsed.  Stanford parlayed that second half explosion into an eight  points victory, 88-80.

Okorie led all players with 30 points, while Okpara aided his teammate with 20 points of his own,  Benny Gealer chipped in 13 points and five assists.  Ryan Agarwal delivered 10 points and eight rebounds to the Cardinal.

Hughes II topped the Matadors with his 26 points, while Joshua O’Garro (15), Davius Lowery (11), Mahmoud Fofana (11) and Josiah Davis (10) all did their part for CSUN.

The Cardinal will next be in action Tuesday, December 30 here at Maples hosting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and opening ACC play at 6 PM PT on ESPN2.  CSUN will next play in 2026 as they travel to UC – Davis to take on the Aggies on New Year’s Day at 2 PM PT on ESPN+

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Venezuela, Country and Baseball in Peril

Venezuela oppostion leader Maria Corina Machado holds up a tally sheets during a protest against the reelection of President Nicolas Maduro. Machado says that she won by a landslide election in Caracus Venezeula in Aug 28, 2024. The politics is keeping the Carribbean Series on hold because other countries are nervous about sending their athletes to Venezuela because of possible war against Maduro and Venezuela. (AP News photo)

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Baseball is Venezuela’s national sport, but it is suffering because of the deep economic crisis, political instability, and security concerns. Their leagues are struggling financially. Players have left the country for asylum, and their attendance at games has also suffered.

Although the 2026 Caribbean Baseball Series was scheduled to be held in Caracas, Venezuela, at Estadio Monumental Simon Bolivar, logistical issues and rising tensions in the country led the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC) to relocate the series to México, with games to take place at Guadalajara’s Estadio Charros de Jalisco.

Leagues from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and México boycotted Venezuela; these countries do not want to send their players to Venezuela for reasons already known. Cuba,a historical baseball pioneer, was excluded from this tournament, and its government called it “disrespectful.” Why was Cuba excluded? Cuba is politically aligned with Maduro.

Operating under Cuba’s government sports ministry (INDER), there are no baseball team owners in Cuba; the government owns them, plus you cannot question a government decision in Cuba; they rule. There is no First Amendment in Cuba.

Venezuela situation: Geopolitical tensions in Venezuela are nothing new. Over the past decade, since Nicolás Maduro became president, the United Nations estimates that close to 8 million Venezuelans have fled as the economy collapsed (the largest exodus ever from one country in Latin America), sneaking across porous borders and crowding into nearby countries (like Colombia) that increasingly fear they cannot accommodate another mass exodus. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democracy and opposing the Maduro regime.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in recognition of her courage in campaigning against Maduro and leading the opposition, despite being barred from running and forced to live in hiding. Also, pressure from the current US government administration against Venezuela, which is nothing new since the United States has been intervening in Latin American countries since President Wilson in 1914. Like it or not, it is history.

In the Caribbean Series, the situation is highly fluid. Venezuela’s participation remains uncertain; Panamá will participate as a guest nation.  This series is supposed to be played from February 1 to 7. But it is in danger.

The World Baseball Classic (WBC), with 20 countries scheduled to participate,(including the US and Japan) takes place from March 5-7, 2026. The situation with Venezuela and Cuba is still to be determined. What is the root cause of Venezuela that led to the current situation?

 (Read here) ]\\https://www.unhcr.org/us/emergencies/venezuela-situation

Personal story: I remember as a kid (13 years or so) in 1959 at Estadio de El Cerro in La Habana.  Just days after Fidel Castro was assembling his government, there was gunfire inside the stadium, and Havana Sugar Kings shortstop Leonardo (Leo) Cárdenas was injured, along with a coach. Cárdenas played for 16 years in the majors, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. He is 87 years young.

Happy New Year!

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.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa: Sharks hoping to end 3 game skid against struggling Canucks tonight

San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini (71) and the Sharks take on the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Centre in Vancouver BC on Sat Dec 27, 2025 (photo from Facebook)

San Jose Sharks podcast Mary Lisa:


#1 San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini leads the Sharks in scoring with 19 goals and 36 assists this season — can he find the scoresheet again against the Canucks’ defense?


#2 After a close Nov. 28 meeting where William Eklund scored power-play goals, will they again be key to San Jose’s attack?


#3 With veterans like Dmitry Orlov and John Klingberg anchoring the blueline, how well can they limit Vancouver’s scoring chances?


#4 Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov has seen increased NHL action — how will he respond to Vancouver’s offensive pressure and what kind of save percentage can Sharks fans expect?

#5 Is Adam Gaudette or Collin Graf poised for a big game?
Both forwards have contributed offensively in recent outings — will one of them be the X-factor to help San Jose snap their three-game skid?

Mary Lisa does the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings looking to DeRozan to lead on offense against Mavericks Saturday

The Sacramento Kings Dennis Schroder takes the ball down the floor against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston on Mon Dec 22, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Can DeMar DeRozan keep his hot streak going and create enough space for his teammates against the Mavericks’ defense, especially with Cooper Flagg likely guarding him for stretches of the game?

#2 How will the Kings Maxime Raynaud match up with the Mavericks’ frontcourt, and can he use his strength and basketball IQ to dominate in the paint while also facilitating Sacramento’s offense?

#3 Will Keegan Murray’s three-point shooting continue to be a critical asset for the Kings, and how will the Mavericks adjust their defense to contain his perimeter scoring alongside DeRozan and Russell Westbrook?

#4 Is the Kings Precious Achiuwa experience and ability to score in a variety of ways going to be a key factor for the Kings, especially in terms of providing steady scoring alongside the younger players?

# 5 Can Nique Clifford slow down the Mavericks offensive flow? Will Clifford’s on-ball defense be enough to challenge Dallas’ playmaking and scoring ability?

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings tip off with Mavericks in Saturday Matinee at Golden 1

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) drives on the Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento Tue Dec 23, 2025(AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 How will the Kings’ offense look with DeMar DeRozan leading the charge against the Mavericks’ defense, especially given his scoring consistency this season?

#2 With Zach LaVine listed as out (or questionable depending on the latest report), how does Sacramento adjust its backcourt rotation and who steps up offensively?

#3 Can Dennis Schröder’s recent playmaking and clutch shooting continue to give the Kings an edge in tight moments against Dallas?

#4 How impactful will Maxime Raynaud be in the frontcourt for Sacramento, especially with Domantas Sabonis still sidelined and providing added minutes and scoring?

#5 What defensive assignments and strategies will the Kings employ on the Mavericks’ offense, and how will Keegan Muarry be missed out of the line up?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Sharks look to power play and penalty kill in game plan against Canucks

San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (3) and Vegas Golden Knights Mitch Marner (93) fight for the puck at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas Tue Dec 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

#1 Can Macklin Celebrini continue his recent scoring pace and be the X-factor for the Sharks in Vancouver?

#2 How will goaltending matchups influence the outcome — can Sharks’ Yaroslav Askarov steal a game on the road?

#3 Will the Sharks’ depth forwards like William Eklund and Collin Graf make a difference against Vancouver’s penalty kill?

#4 Can San Jose slow down Vancouver’s dominant defense and transition game, especially on the power play?

#5 What impact will special teams (power play and penalty kill) have in this matchup between the Sharks and Canucks?

San Jose Sharks podcast with Lincoln Juarez is heard Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com