Kings All-Star demoted ahead of Lakers rematch

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for their third straight win and their second in three nights against their division rival, the Sacramento Kings.

However, the Lakers could face a weakened Kings team as their All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis was downgraded from available to questionable.

Sabonis is dealing with a previous problem.

Sabonis was also questionable before Thursday’s game because of his back. As game time approaches, however, it becomes increasingly unclear how much this might bother him.

Sabonis was not on the injury report all day but is now at risk of missing Saturday’s contest with a back injury. With Trey Lyles (calf) also questionable, Isaac Jones and Alex Len could see increased playing time against the Lakers.

Sabonis is currently battling a back injury. He hasn’t missed a game since suffering back spasms in mid-November. The big star has been spectacular so far this season and should be headed to San Francisco for the 2025 All-Star Game.

In 26 games played this season, Sabonis is averaging 21.4 points per game, 13.0 rebounds (second in the league), 6.2 assists and 0.8 steals while shooting 62 percent from the field and 44 percent from three shoots.

The Kings big man is one of six players in the league currently averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and his 23 total double-doubles lead the NBA.

In his last game against the Lakers, Sabonis was great as always, recording 18 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks in 38 minutes of play in the loss to LA

Sabonis leads the team in rebounds and assists.

The Lakers had to contend with the Kings on Thursday before LA lost the game in the final minutes. The Lakers defeated the Kings 113-100 and will look to do the same on Saturday.

The Lakers are the underdog in this contest with a spread of +4.5. They are 3-2 against the rest of their division and 4-8 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Lakers have averaged 11.6 3-pointers per game this season, an average of 3.1 fewer shots made than the 14.7 per game the Kings give up. Los Angeles is averaging 104.5 points, 43.9 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 8.6 steals and 5.9 blocks per game and is shooting 45.1 percent from the field in the last 10 games. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points.

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