The Sacramento Kings staged a remarkable comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, clinching a 130-120 victory even as LeBron James had already exited the court by the final buzzer.

De’Aaron Fox, the Kings’ dynamic point guard, stole the spotlight with an impressive performance, tallying a game-high 44 points. His explosive second-half display proved pivotal as the Kings erased a daunting 19-point deficit that the Lakers had established in the first quarter.

James, speaking to reporters post-game, lauded Fox’s ability to exploit openings in the Lakers’ defense, crediting the Kings’ spacing and shot-making for facilitating Fox’s dominance. James acknowledged Fox’s consistent success against the Lakers, highlighting his exceptional speed and agility as key factors.

However, James also pinpointed a crucial moment in the game that sparked the Lakers’ defensive unraveling. He cited teammate Anthony Davis’ early foul trouble, specifically a questionable second foul called in the first quarter, as a turning point. With Davis sidelined due to foul trouble, James emphasized the detrimental impact on the Lakers’ defensive cohesion, attributing the team’s defensive lapses to Davis’ absence on the court.

The Lakers, who had surged to a commanding 37-19 lead in the first quarter, saw their advantage evaporate as the Kings mounted a spirited comeback. A 9-0 run by Sacramento to close the first quarter, followed by a 31-11 surge overall, propelled them into the lead just before halftime, signaling a dramatic shift in momentum.

Despite their efforts, the Lakers faltered down the stretch, unable to contain the Kings’ offensive onslaught led by Fox. The loss underscored the Lakers’ vulnerability in the absence of key players like Davis, highlighting the importance of defensive stability and roster depth in their pursuit of success in the competitive NBA landscape.