DeMar DeRozan has played in hundreds of NBA games across 15 seasons, but Sunday nights contest against the Los Angeles Lakers was unlike anything hes ever seen.
The Sacramento Kings fell 127120 at Golden 1 Center, but it wasnt the scoreboard that had players and fans frustrated, it was the whistle. The Lakers attempted 46 free throws to the Kings eighteen, a staggering gap that had DeRozan searching for words after the game.
When asked if hed ever been part of a game with that kind of imbalance, DeRozan didnt hesitate.
No, DeRozan said. Its crazy.
The veteran guard explained how the constant fouls and stoppages prevented Sacramento from finding its rhythm.
Its deflating, especially when were going out there trying to play hard, trying to compete, DeRozan told NBC Sports Bay Area. And it seems like were getting called for fouls, but on the other hand, when we try to be aggressive, you know, nothing dont go our way. Its kind of deflating at times, especially when youre trying to get it going. You have guys in and out of rotation because of foul trouble, you know, its hard to get a rhythm because youre putting them on the line, giving them the rhythm, so its definitely tough.
DeMar DeRozan reacts to the 46-to-18 free-throw margin in favor of the Lakers tonight pic.twitter.com/T74nKOBCpC
Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) October 27, 2025
Austin Reaves was at the center of that parade to the stripe, shooting 22 free throws, four more than the entire Kings roster.
Kings head coach Doug Christie didnt hold back his frustration, though he stopped short of directly criticizing the officials.
We got to play defense without fouling, obviously, Christie said. But there are two teams on the floor. Its wild. Its wild. Its wild.
Kings guard Zach LaVine did note that while the free-throw gap was glaring, his team still had late chances to win but didnt capitalize.
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