Reaves returns as Los Angeles builds a cushion
Luka Dončić scored 23 points in 25 minutes as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 114–110 at Crypto.com Arena on October 8, a game that finished on October 9 in the Philippines. Austin Reaves made his preseason return with eight points and eight assists.
Los Angeles received another 19 points from Sandro Mamukelashvili and 14 from Jake LaRavia. The result gave the Lakers their second victory over Sacramento during the exhibition schedule.
A 19–3 second-quarter run helped establish control. The Lakers reached halftime ahead 57–43 and carried an 86–70 advantage into the fourth quarter before Sacramento reduced the gap against changing lineups.
The win also exposed areas to address. Silver Screen and Roll reported that the teams combined for 50 turnovers and Los Angeles allowed 20 offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions helped the Kings stay in contention despite the Lakers’ earlier cushion.
The final margin was four points, but the more useful preseason evidence concerned the returning backcourt’s minutes and the contributions from reserve scorers. Exhibition results do not affect regular-season standings.