LaVine criticizes Lakers defense after Kings’ loss

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 116-103 on the road on November 4, with their defense limiting the Kings’ scoring. Afterward, Sacramento guard Zach LaVine questioned the Lakers’ defense, while also conceding that his own team has defensive shortcomings.

LaVine said Los Angeles had vulnerable defenders but managed to take advantage of Sacramento’s, too. He scored 21 points, making six of 14 shots from the field.

He also discussed Luka Dončić’s impact against the Kings and said the Lakers make things difficult by directing their offense through Walker Kessler in the paint. LaVine described the defeat as frustrating despite his team’s effort, adding that Sacramento was still competing.

The teams’ defensive numbers differ: opponents are averaging 113.9 points per game against the Lakers, 17th in the NBA, while Sacramento is giving up 123.3 points per game, the league’s 28th-highest mark. LaVine’s remarks came after a loss in which the Lakers held the Kings to 103 points.