West Notes: Kings, Domantas Sabonis, Lakers, Blazers

Kings

Power forward Domantas Sabonis finished with 13 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists in Wednesday’s win over the Lakers for his second triple-double of the season. Yes, he had TWENTY-ONE rebounds.

“He’s been rebounding the crap out of the ball,” Kings coach Mike Brown told reporters. “Even if he didn’t get stats, how hard that he plays is unbelievable.”

• The Kings started the season 0-4, but have gone 17-9 since That’s among the NBA’s best records in that stretch.
• They also have now been the Lakers twice in the same season since 2015-16. Sacramento actually won all four games that year.

Lakers

LeBron James scored 31 points in the loss, which came without Anthony Davis (foot) and Russell Westbrook (foot).

“I’m going to show up to work and be ready to go,” James said. “I’m going to lead the guys on the floor when I’m on the floor.”

• Coach Darvin Ham indicated the Lakers are still evaluating Davis’ foot, which is why there has not yet been an official statement from the team about the injury. Ham added an update should be coming soon.
• Ham is continuing to believe in good things despite the Lakers’ struggles. “We have to be more competitive and give more effort,” he said. “We will figure it out. That’s why we have put together a great staff like we have done.”

Trail Blazers

Coach Chauncey Billups took a shot at the officials after the Trail Blazers attempted just nine free throws in Wednesday’s loss to the Thunder.

“That really doesn’t happen with us. Nine free throws for the whole game,” he said. “We attack all night. I guess we didn’t get fouled tonight.”

• Small forward Justise Winslow left Wednesday’s game with a left ankle sprain in the third quarter and did not return.