Luka Doncic needed only one half to make his mark, scoring 21 points as the Los Angeles Lakers rolled past the Sacramento Kings 127-103 in a preseason game at Golden 1 Center.
The Lakers used a high-pressure full-court defense to build a 73-47 halftime lead, then rested Doncic for the remainder of the exhibition.
Los Angeles was without center Walker Kessler, sidelined by a finger injury, and guard Austin Reaves, who has an ankle strain.
Forwards Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle set the defensive tone alongside second-year forward Adou Thiero and guard Quentin Grimes.
The group forced four first-quarter steals and finished with 15 steals overall.
Williams scored 13 points with three 3-pointers and a steal while picking up ball handlers full court.
Thybulle added two 3-pointers and two steals to lead the perimeter attack.
"We all had fun out there," Doncic said.
Doncic said watching the defensive intensity of his new teammates energized the roster after his first game in six months.
"Especially with Matisse [Thybulle] and Ziaire [Williams], just that beginning of the game, the start, that's contagious for everybody, and how they start the game, it was inspirational," Doncic said.
Coaches showed film of Williams guarding full court during halftime to emphasize the defensive identity they want this season.
"You don't wanna be the only guy out there that's not being physical, not picking up full, not being a pest," Williams said.
Williams said he recognized the team needed a physical defender who could set an aggressive tone against primary ball handlers.
"Coming in, I knew that I saw that the team could use that, someone who could pick up full and could guard the main ball handler and really set the tone on that end.
I try to just focus on that every possession," Williams said.
Rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. led Sacramento with 19 points and four assists.
Bronny James contributed three points, five rebounds, and two assists off the bench for Los Angeles.
Head coach JJ Redick said the injuries to Kessler, Reaves, Collin Sexton, and Arthur Kaluma are not expected to be long-term issues.
The Lakers continue preseason play Thursday against the Golden State Warriors before opening the regular season on Oct.
21.
