Lakers vs. Kings recap: Lakers lose despite 38 points from Kobe Bryant

The Lakers started the game off strong, including an 11-5 run to close the first quarter, but it was all Sacramento from that point. After trailing 21-15 after the first quarter, Sacramento opened the second quarter on an 11-0 run to take a five-point lead. The teams went back and forth for the rest of the quarter with Sacramento leading, 42-41, at halftime.

After Los Angeles took a 53-51 lead with just over eight minutes to play in the third quarter, the Kings answered with a 13-3 run to take a 64-56 lead. The Lakers cut into the Kings' lead, but Sacramento led, 73-69, heading into the fourth quarter. A Jodie Meeks three-pointer cut Sacramento's lead to 77-76, but once again the Kings had an answer. Sacramento opened the lead back up with an 8-0 run and Lakers were unable to answer.

The Kings used a balanced attack as six players scored at least 10 points. Marcus Thornton led the Kings with 23 points. Kobe Bryant did his best to keep Los Angeles in the game, scoring 38 points on 11 of 20 shooting. The Lakers frontcourt was quiet against the Kings as Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol combined for just 15 points.