Dončić scores 21 as Lakers beat Kings in preseason opener

The Los Angeles Lakers opened their preseason with a win over the Sacramento Kings, as Luka Dončić scored 21 points in the first half before sitting out the rest of the game. Accounts of the final score differ, reporting either 127-103 or 127-100; the supplied information does not resolve the discrepancy. Dončić scored his 21 points in 16 minutes, making five of 12 shots, according to one game account. The Lakers led 73-47 at halftime, and several reports said Dončić did not return after the break. The team used its bench in the second half. The game marked Dončić’s return to competitive play after more than six months without an official game. He said he had missed basketball and was happy to be back playing. Lakers coach J.J. Redick said Dončić had worked throughout the summer, run sprints and arrived at training camp in fantastic shape. Redick also described him as increasingly in rhythm during camp. One report said Dončić appeared to limp near the end of the first half. The supplied accounts do not establish whether he was injured, what may have caused the reported limp or whether it affected his availability.