James has a triple-double, Lakers throttle Kings 129-113

LeBron James had ar triple-double despite an off-night shooting, Anthony Davis scored 21 points and Los Angeles Lakers thumped Sacramento Kings 129-113 on Saturday, ir first win since death of Kobe Bryant.

James had 15 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds while helping Los Angeles end a two-game skid. James shot 6 of 15 and missed three of four 3-pointers but made up for it with his 11th triple-double of season and 92nd of his career.

Avery Bradley added 19 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 15 and Rajon Rondo had 13 points and eight assists.

De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points and Buddy Hield had 22 for Sacramento.

Lakers were playing second half of a back-to-back, one night after an emotional 127-119 loss to Portland at Staples Center in ir first game since Sunday’s helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven ors.

During first timeout less than four minutes into game, a video of both Bryant and Gianna playing basketball was shown on giant scoreboard as members of both Lakers and Kings watched. numbers 8 and 24 flashed on court as Bryant’s voice echoed through building.

Tributes continued to play throughout game as fans – many wearing Bryant’s jerseys – repeatedly chanted his name.

A memorial wall with pictures of Bryant and Gianna was set up outside one of main entrances to Golden 1 Center. Fans scrawled messs on wall and left flowers.

Inside, Lakers did ir best to move forward following trdy that left entire organization reeling.

y scored 44 points in first quarter, made 14 3s and dished out 26 assists before halftime, dominating Kings on both ends while building an 81-64 lead.

James capped a fast break with a two-handed dunk in second quarter that drew roars from crowd, n made a long bounce pass to Caldwell-Pope for a layup. James followed that with ar dunk, and Rondo added a 3-pointer.

Kings got within 108-93 early in fourth quarter before Lakers pulled away. James had a 3-pointer, Rondo scored twice and Caldwell-Pope made three free throws.

TIP-INS

Lakers: Los Angeles finished with 33 assists. … 81 points in first half were a season high. That also matched Bryant’s career high for scoring. … Bradley had 16 points with four 3s in first half. … Kyle Kuzma scored 12 points.

Kings: Eric Mika had six points and seven rebounds in his NBA debut. Mika, who had been with Stockton of G League, was signed to a 10-day contract earlier in day.

UP NEXT

Lakers: Host Spurs on Tuesday. Los Angeles has won both games against San Antonio this season.

Kings: Play Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.