Where to watch Lakers vs Kings? Today's game time and NBA Preseason broadcast

The NBA preseason keeps heating up, and one of the most eye-catching matchups at the start pits the Los Angeles Lakers against the Sacramento Kings . Two California franchises, two Western neighbors, and a recent history that already has a clear favorite.

Here is everything you need to know: schedule, where to watch it, and the keys to the game.

What time does today's Lakers vs Kings start and where to watch it?

The matchup between Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings , corresponding to the 2026 NBA Preseason , is scheduled for this Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 7:30 Eastern Time (6:30 p.m. Central Time and 4:30 Pacific Time).

NBA games are distributed this preseason across different platforms and TV channels, in addition to the streaming option via NBA TV where you can watch all the games, including today's live 76ers vs Nets game, which you can also follow on ESPN2.

The immediate precedent: 103-127 for the Lakers

What makes this game special is that it is not the first time these teams have faced each other this preseason. In their opener, the Los Angeles Lakers cruised past the Kings with a commanding 103-127 victory, a 24-point margin that put the Angelenos at the top.

That result completely colors the narrative of this rematch. The Lakers arrive as the only team that, so far, has displayed that combination of efficient offense and suffocating defense.

The Kings, meanwhile, delivered the worst offensive performance in the entire league on that opening day and carry one of the largest negative point differentials among the 31 franchises that make up the preseason standings.

Beyond the fact that the preseason hands out nothing more than minutes and impressions, Sacramento has a clear reason for pride to right the ship.

The Lakers: the new era with Dončić in charge

The main focus of attention in Los Angeles remains Luka Dončić, the 27-year-old Slovenian who leads the Los Angeles project. Around him, the coaching staff has been putting together a group with plenty of arguments: the scoring electricity of Austin Reaves , the energy of Collin Sexton and the veteran poise of pieces like Quentin Grimes and Australian defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle.

The preseason is also the showcase for young projects. Bronny James , 22, and Dalton Knecht are looking for rotation minutes, while in the paint the Lakers are banking on the power of Walker Kessler and the experience of Kevon Looney, 30. It is the kind of depth that allows the staff to distribute workloads without the level collapsing, something that was evident in the 115-86.

The Kings: talent for turning history around

That Sacramento lost by 29 should not obscure the caliber of its roster. The Kings boast a formidable offensive trio: shooting guard Zach LaVine, Lithuanian center Domantas Sabonis —a playmaker from the high post—and the electric Malik Monk coming off the bench. They are joined by De"Andre Hunter and Keegan Murray at the forward positions, giving Sacramento size and outside shooting ability.

The challenge for the Kings is clear: finding offensive fluidity. Those 86 points from the first meeting do not reflect the potential of a group that, with its starters at full strength, can be much more productive. This second round is the perfect opportunity for the Australian Ben Simmons and company to recalibrate the engine before what really counts begins.

Lakers vs Kings prediction

The Lakers enter as the logical favorites after their 24-point margin in the first matchup, with a more cohesive unit and a defense that has already made its mark. However, the preseason tends to level games out when the starters rest and the rotations open up.

Expect a closer contest than last Monday's: Sacramento, with its pride wounded, should look much better on offense. Even so, Los Angeles' greater depth and competitive edge make them the favorite to win again, although by a much narrower margin.