PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings meet Sunday night at Golden 1 Center, with tipoff set for 9:00 p.m. EDT. Luka Doncic has been nothing short of sensational to begin the season, dropping 43 points in the opener before torching Minnesota for 49 points while shooting over 62 percent from the floor, carrying the Lakers despite LeBron James' ongoing sciatica issues. Austin Reaves has stepped into an expanded role alongside Doncic, averaging 25.5 points and 10 assists through two games. The Lakers rank third in efficient attacking at the rim and boast a high free throw rate, though their defense has shown vulnerability with the 26th-ranked three-point attempt rate allowed and 24th-ranked defensive rebounding. Sacramento enters this Pacific Division clash looking to build momentum after rebounding from a frustrating loss to Phoenix with a hard-fought victory over Utah, capped by a Domantas Sabonis game-winning putback. Zach LaVine has been outstanding early, averaging 30.5 points and getting strong support from Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, and Dennis Schroder. The Kings lead the league in midrange frequency while forcing turnovers at the second-best rate, yet they rank dead last in three-point shooting volume and 28th in offensive rebounding. Injuries will significantly shape this matchup, with the Lakers potentially without Doncic due to a finger sprain while the Kings could be without LaVine due to illness.