The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 114-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on October 8, 2026. The win at home provided a final look at roster hopefuls and rotation options before the games start to count.
Luka Doncic set the tone early with a dominant first half. He was aggressive from deep and in the paint, finishing with 23 points on 16 field-goal attempts. His scoring helped the Lakers build a lead they would not relinquish. Sandro Mamukelashvili made a powerful case for a roster spot off the bench. He poured in 19 points in just 21 minutes, hitting key three-pointers and showing impressive passing vision. His sequence in the third quarter, where he hit back-to-back triples, helped stop a Kings run and pushed the lead back to 16 points.
Jake LaRavia also impressed with 17 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting. His off-ball movement and timely cuts were noticeable. The Lakers' defense experimented with a zone look that showed promise, especially for protecting certain matchups on the perimeter. The Kings' reserves, led by Daeqwon Plowden's 15 points in 11 minutes, made a late push in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers' lead proved sufficient.
The October 8th result gives the Lakers a 2-1 record in their three-game preseason slate. They opened with a strong 127-103 win over these same Kings on October 5th. A 124-98 loss to the Golden State Warriors followed on October 6th. These games were primarily for evaluation, not outcomes. The performances of Mamukelashvili, LaRavia, and others have created difficult decisions for the coaching staff. Coach J.J. Redick now has tangible film on how certain lineup combinations function, particularly those built around Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The potential for using a zone defense in spots emerged as a tactical point of interest. If players like Walker Kessler can control the glass, it could be a useful tool. The preseason also highlighted the offensive versatility Mamukelashvili brings, which could be vital for the second unit's scoring punch.
The preseason work is done. Attention now fully turns to the regular season opener. The Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on October 13, 2026. It's a marquee opening-night matchup that will provide an immediate test. Fans can view the full upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
Final roster cuts are the immediate business. The strong showings from several players on non-guaranteed deals have made those choices more complex. The coaching staff must decide who fills the final spots, weighing immediate fit against long-term potential. The performance against the Kings gave them plenty to consider.
