The Sacramento Kings are coming off a much-needed win over the Utah Jazz on Friday after blowing a 20-point lead to the Phoenix Suns in their season opener, but now they are heading into their biggest challenge yet.
On Sunday, the Kings are hosting the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers. However, for this matchup, the Lakers are in jeopardy of being star-less.
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Lakers have yet to see legendary forward LeBron James (right sciatica) suit up this season, and now they could be without Luka Doncic as well. Ahead of Sunday’s game in Sacramento, the Lakers have listed Luka Doncic (left finger) as questionable, as well as Jaxson Hayes (left knee). Adou Thiero (left knee) and Maxi Kleber (abdominal) are both ruled out.
Of course, the Lakers are expected to be without James for at least the next couple of weeks still, but Doncic being sidelined would be a major blow for Los Angeles. The 26-year-old superstar has been on a tear to start the season, averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through two games.
The Kings are in jeopardy of being short-handed as well.
Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the first time this season, the Kings have listed star guard Zach LaVine on their injury report. LaVine is listed as questionable due to an illness, which should ease fans’ concerns that it is nothing serious.
The Kings have already ruled out Keegan Murray (left thumb) and Nique Cifford (right hamstring) for Sunday’s game against the Lakers, so the team will be short-handed regardless, but getting LaVine in uniform would be a game-changer.
LaVine has been incredible in his own right to start the season, averaging 30.5 points through two games while shooting 54.8% from the field. LaVine has been anchoring Sacramento’s offense so far, so if he has to miss Sunday’s game, the Kings would need a big performance from veteran wing DeMar DeRozan to keep up with the Lakers.
Zach LaVine’s first two games of the season:
31 PTS | 10/18 FG | 4/9 3PT | 34 MIN
30 PTS | 13/24 FG | 2/10 | 37 MIN
Bucket getter. pic.twitter.com/tJrwjLM8I7
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) October 25, 2025
With Sacramento’s best defender, Keegan Murray, sidelined, the Kings have to hope that Doncic misses Sunday’s game, or else the superstar guard might drop a career-high. It would be interesting to see new guard Russell Westbrook use some physicality against Doncic, but the Kings have nobody who can truly match up with the Lakers star on that end of the floor.
The Kings are set to face the Lakers at 6:00 p.m. PT in Sacramento on Sunday, and time will tell how this matchup looks by game time with a couple of key statuses in question.