Lakers player grades: L.A. loses fifth game in a row

With LeBron James out due to an adductor strain, the Lakers fell to the Sacramento Kings for their fifth straight loss on Friday.

Without LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers fought hard against the Sacramento Kings, but yet again, they came up short and lost 120-114.

Los Angeles built a sizable lead in the second quarter but saw it trimmed to four at halftime and one at the end of the third quarter. Down the stretch, the Lakers couldn’t stop De’Aaron Fox, who scorched them by hitting 9-of-12 from the field in the second half and 5-of-7 in the fourth quarter.

They’re now in the midst of a five-game losing streak, and with a 2-10 record, their chances of reaching the playoffs this season are starting to shrink.