Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a timeline of significant moments in the head-to-head history between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings:

1980s-1990s: Early Encounters

  • 1985-1986 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, faced the Kings, who were not yet a major playoff contender. The Lakers were dominant, reflecting their strong performance in the league.
  • 1990s:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings faced off with the Lakers featuring stars like Magic Johnson and later Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Kings, with players like Mitch Richmond and Chris Webber, were competitive but generally overpowered by the Lakers.

2000s: Key Encounters

  • 2000-2001 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, had several notable matchups with the Kings, who were a strong team with Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Peja Stojaković. The Lakers were dominant in the early 2000s.
  • 2001-2002 NBA Season:
    • Western Conference Finals: The Lakers faced the Kings in a highly competitive series. The Lakers won the series 4-3, with the games being closely contested and marked by controversial officiating. This series was pivotal as the Lakers went on to win the NBA Championship.

2000s: Playoff Encounters

  • 2002-2003 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings had competitive matchups with the Lakers continuing their strong play and the Kings being a significant contender in the Western Conference.
  • 2003-2004 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Kings, with a strong roster, faced the Lakers, who were featuring Kobe Bryant and new additions. The games were competitive and reflected the high level of play from both teams.

2010s: Renewed Rivalry

  • 2010-2011 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, faced the Kings, who were in a rebuilding phase. The games were notable for their competitive nature with the Lakers being a top team in the Western Conference.
  • 2011-2012 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings had several notable matchups with the Lakers featuring Bryant and the Kings focusing on their young talent.

2020s: Recent Matchups

  • 2019-2020 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, faced the Kings, led by De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield. The games were competitive with both teams showcasing their talents.
  • 2020-2021 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings continued their matchups with the Lakers being strong playoff contenders and the Kings focusing on their young roster. The games were notable for their implications in the playoff race.
  • 2021-2022 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings faced off with both teams featuring key players. The Lakers, with James and a revamped roster, played against the Kings, who were led by Fox and new additions.
  • 2022-2023 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings continued their rivalry with competitive matchups. The Lakers, with James and new additions, played against the Kings, who were focused on their playoff aspirations.
  • 2023-2024 NBA Season:
    • Regular Season: The Lakers and Kings faced off with both teams being significant players in the Western Conference. The games were marked by high-level play and playoff implications.

The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings has featured several key moments, particularly in the 2000s with their playoff battles and competitive regular-season games. Key players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Chris Webber, and LeBron James have made their matchups significant in NBA history.