Player Grades: Lakers vs. Kings

Grading every Lakers player’s performance from the team’s 103-99 win vs. the Kings.

Don't look now, but the Lakers have won three straight games, are currently the fifth seed in the West and have already secured the season series against the Kings.

With Lakers head coach JJ Redick implementing Max Christie into the starting lineup, the team is rolling. They went to Sacramento and won two games on the road against the Kings. Their most recent victory came on Saturday afternoon, beating the Kings 103-99.

So, let's dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A "B" grade represents the average performance for that player.

Rui Hachimura

38 minutes, 9 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 4-8 FG, 1-5 3PT, +10

Rui's performance on Saturday is an example of why Redick trusts him so much and recent reports indicate that the Lakers view him as a long-term piece for the Lakers.

Hachimura shot an efficient 50% from the field, but what was impressive was all the small things he did, especially late in the game.

With the Lakers up by two, Anthony Davis missed two key free throws, but Rui tipped the ball and gave the Lakers back the possession. The play helped avoid a potential late-game collapse and ensured the Lakers walked away victorious.

Throughout the game, Rui constantly crashed the boards, switched onto Domantas Sabonis and even registered a block and a steal. This was his best game of the season for the purple and gold.

Grade: A

Anthony Davis

37 minutes, 10 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 4-10 FG, 2-4 FT, -2

This was a rough night for Davis. He was offensively dead during the first half and didn't get to the line. When he did, he missed two key free throws that nearly cost the Lakers the game.

He was still solid defensively, but this is a game AD would like to forget soon. He should remember the missed free throws, though, because that needs to be cleaned up. Even his wife is calling him out about it.

Grade: C

LeBron James

34 minutes, 32 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 13-24 FG, 1-8 3PT, 5-6 FT, +10

In the first half, LeBron was unstoppable. He had 23 points, including a monstrous slam dunk that electrified the team and the Lakers fans in attendance.

Since returning from his foot injury, LeBron has had a spring in his step and has led the team's offensive charge.

The biggest flaw in his game on Saturday was his 3-point shooting. He went 1-8 from deep, and while the 3-point shot might not be what he cares about most, LeBron has to make more than just one per game if he's taking that many.

Grade: A

Austin Reaves

36 minutes, 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 6-14 FG, 1-7 3PT, 3-5 FT, +10

Reaves followed up his 25-point performance on Thursday with 16 points on Saturday. He spent a decent amount of time handling the ball and did well, with five assists on the night and just two turnovers.

This is Reaves' fourth season in the NBA and he's really coming into his own. He's established himself as a guard the Lakers can trust and depend on to make impactful plays.

Grade: B+

Max Christie

18 minutes, 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 2-4 FG, 1-2 3PT, +3

The main reason Christie is starting is due to the defensive ability he has on perimeter players. He did a good job versus the Kings’ guards on Saturday, but his offense was quiet.

He hit a nice corner 3-pointer and had a strong two-handed dunk, but not much else from him offensively. Hopefully, if he continues to begin games for the Lakers, he can be closer to a double-digit scorer moving forward.

Grade: B-

D'Angelo Russell

30 minutes, 20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 7-13 FG, 2-6 3PT, 3-4 FT, +1

D'Lo has struggled to find his role on this team, but it looks like he is beginning to come into his own. He was scoring with ease against Sacramento, driving to the basket, knocking down 3-pointers and dishing out dimes.

He may not have started but he logged in 30 minutes and is a big reason why the Lakers have looked so good recently.

Grade: B+

Cam Reddish

22 minutes, 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 2-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 1-2 FT, +0

If Russell is in games for his scoring, then Reddish is playing because of his defensive ability. In this contest, he was getting deflections, blocking shots and even showing signs of life offensively.

For someone playing as much as Reddish, you probably need more from him scoring-wise, but overall he had a good game vs. the Kings.

Grade: B

Gabe Vincent

16 minutes, 6 points, 1 steal, 2-3 FG, 2-3 3PT, -4

Vincent didn't fill up the stat sheet, but he knocked down a couple of 3-pointers. If he can reliably do that, then a few shifts a night for the guard is appropriate.

Grade: B

Christian Koloko, Dalton Knecht

Koloko and Knecht played for just a few minutes, so they will not be graded. Knecht can't find any rhythm out there and Koloko is only coming in just to give AD an occasional breather.

JJ Redick

Redick has been doing a great job, tinkering with the rotations and playing the right lineups throughout the game. On Saturday, he ran a tight bench, essentially going with just eight players and it worked. With the Lakers playing their best basketball of the season, it's hard to complain about Redick's coaching.

Grade: A

Saturday's DNPs: Armel Traore

Saturday's inactives: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James, Maxwell Lewis, Quincy Olivari

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.