Wed Oct 29 02:20:00 UTC 2025: Kings’ Zach LaVine Refuses to Blame Free Throw Disparity for Loss to Lakers

SACRAMENTO – Despite a significant free-throw disparity favoring the Los Angeles Lakers, Kings guard Zach LaVine isn’t pointing fingers at the officiating following Sacramento’s 127-120 loss on Sunday night. The Lakers shot 46 free throws, converting 41, while the Kings only managed 18 attempts.

While the disparity was a major talking point post-game, LaVine insisted the Kings had ample opportunity to secure the victory regardless. “We still had a real opportunity to win that game regardless of free throws,” LaVine said. “I don’t ever want to put it on that.”

LaVine felt that Sacramento’s inability to execute down the stretch, particularly after an early fourth-quarter run, ultimately led to their downfall. He added, “I don’t think there’s been a game this season where we really felt like we got beat. I feel like we’ve made mistakes and beat ourselves.”

The loss was even more frustrating considering the Lakers were without LeBron James and Luka Dončić due to injuries. However, Austin Reaves exploded for a career-high 51 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to lead Los Angeles to victory. LaVine acknowledged Reaves’ stellar performance, stating, “Great performance by my guy Austin. He knows how to get fouled. He always has.”

Kings coach Doug Christie echoed the sentiment of needing to avoid fouling, acknowledging the uphill battle when facing such a free-throw imbalance. “We got to play defense without fouling, obviously,” Christie said. “I don’t know that you’ll ever win a game with free throws like that, not since I was a little kid.”

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