Luka Dončić poured in 42 points but was unable to prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from slipping to a third consecutive defeat, as they were beaten 124-112 by the struggling Sacramento Kings on Monday.

LeBron James, wearing a special patch to commemorate his historic 23rd NBA season, finished with 22 points on a frustrating night for the Lakers, who endured a cold shooting performance from beyond the arc, making just eight of their 36 three-point attempts.

Dončić and James were two of only four Lakers players to reach double figures. Deandre Ayton added 13 points, while Jaxson Hayes contributed 12 off the bench, but the supporting cast offered little resistance.

Sacramento, who entered the night second from bottom in the Western Conference with a 10-30 record, were led by DeMar DeRozan’s 32 points. Russell Westbrook added 22 against his former team as the Kings claimed an unlikely but convincing victory.

“We literally couldn’t make a shot,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after the game.

Around the league

In Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers claimed their third straight win with a surprise 98-96 victory over the Boston Celtics. Pascal Siakam led the way with 21 points for the Pacers, who remain bottom of the Eastern Conference despite the recent upturn in form.

Siakam scored the decisive basket, banking in a floating jumper with seven seconds remaining to secure a rare home win. Boston had a final chance to respond, but Derrick White missed a 32-foot three-pointer with two seconds left.

In Toronto, Kyle Lowry received an emotional homecoming as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Raptors 115-102. The 39-year-old, who helped Toronto win their first NBA title in 2019, was given a standing ovation in the fourth quarter in what was likely his final appearance in the city before retirement.

Lowry played just under two minutes for Philadelphia, as the Sixers cruised to victory behind 33 points from Tyrese Maxey and 27 from Joel Embiid.

Maxey later praised Lowry’s influence since his arrival in Philadelphia in 2024. “We talk at least five times a day,” Maxey said. “From the moment he got here, he told me, ‘I’m here for you. Whatever you need.’ He’s been that way every single day.”

Elsewhere, the Utah Jazz recorded an upset 123-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, powered by 32 points from Keyonte George and 28 from Lauri Markkanen.