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Zach LaVine takes bizarre shot at Lakers after Kings’ embarrassing defeat
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 116-103 on Wednesday, with Luka Dončić leading the attack. After the defeat, Kings guard Zach LaVine criticised the Lakers’ defence, saying they had weak defenders but had exploited Sacramento’s own defensive shortcomings.
LaVine scored 21 points on 6-for-14 shooting and said Dončić had caused problems for the Kings. He also described the loss as frustrating while stressing that Sacramento was still competing. This season, opponents are scoring 113.9 points per game against the Lakers, ranking them 17th in the NBA, compared with 123.3 against the Kings, who rank 28th.
In short
- The Lakers beat the Kings 116-103.
- LaVine criticised both teams’ defensive weaknesses.
- Sacramento is allowing 123.3 points per game.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
LaVine’s criticism can be read as a fair assessment that the Lakers’ defence is vulnerable: they rank only 17th in points allowed, and Dončić’s impact showed how Sacramento’s own weaknesses were exposed. Pointing to the opponent’s limitations may also help explain a frustrating loss without implying that the Kings have stopped competing.
The case against
The Lakers’ defence may not be elite, but Sacramento’s much higher points allowed and the 116-103 defeat suggest the Kings’ defensive problems were more consequential in this game. LaVine’s focus on the Lakers’ weaknesses could therefore seem misplaced, especially when he acknowledged that Dončić had caused Sacramento problems.