Category: Sacramento Kings

Kings tame Mavericks, 112-97

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By George Devine, Sr.

The Sacramento Kings hosted the Dallas Mavericks with some trepidation, given the fact that the visitors have dominated them in many a recent game. But this time was different: Sacramento sailed to a 112-97 win, largely due to big leads in the first and third quarters.

The key performer for the Kings was a returned DeMarcus Cousins who scored 32 points, accounted for 19 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Isaiah Thomas added 24 points of his own. The team as a whole had an impressive 51 boards, with 40 points in the paint and 12 off the bench

Dallas’ high scorer was former Golden State Warrior Monta Ellis, who scored 21 points, had 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. His team altogether had 39 rebounds, and that difference from Sacramento’s 51 tells the tale of the game. Like the Kings, the Mavericks scored 40 in the paint; they had 12 coming off the bench.

To the excitement of local fans, the Kings ‘today acquired forwards Rudy Gay and Quincy Acy along with center Aaron Gray from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for guard Greivis Vasquez and forwards John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes, according to Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro. “We’re excited to welcome these additions to our team,” said D’Alessandro. “In Rudy we’ve acquired one of the league’s proven scorers while Aaron and Quincy provide size and depth in our frontcourt. We also appreciate the contributions and efforts that John, Chuck, Greivis and Patrick made to the Kings organization. We all wish them the very best moving forward.”

Originally selected eighth overall by Houston in the 2006 NBA Draft, Gay has accrued averages of 18.0 points (.447 FG%, .344 3pt%, .777 FT%), 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.41 steals and 36.1 minutes per game in 530 career contests spanning eight professional campaigns with Memphis (2006-07 – 2012-13) and Toronto (2012-13 – 2013-14). Through 18 contests with the Raptors this season, he registered 19.4 points (.388 FG%, .373 3pt%, .773 FT%), 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.56 steals, 1.28 blocks and 35.5 minutes per game, leading the team in blocks and ranking second in scoring, rebounding and steals.

Gray, a 7-foot center, has posted averages of 3.5 points (.515 FG%, .562 FT%), 3.8 rebounds and 12.3 minutes per game in 285 career appearances with Chicago (2007-08 – 2009-10), New Orleans (2009-10), and Toronto (2011-12 – 2013-14). Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round (49th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft, he has played for three teams in a six-year NBA career (Chicago 2007-08 – 2009-10, New Orleans 2009-10, Toronto 2011-12 – 2013-14). Gray saw action in just four games this season.

In Acy, Sacramento receives the 37th overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, who has averaged 3.8 points (.539 FG%, .429 3pt%, .783 FT%), 2.6 rebounds and 11.2 minutes per game over 36 career games in two seasons with the Raptors. This season, he has seen action in seven contests as a reserve, posting 2.7 points (.429 FG%, .400 3pt%, .625 FT%), 2.1 rebounds and 8.8 minutes per game.

An 11-year veteran who was in his second stint with the Kings, Salmons is averaging 9.8 points (.434 FG%, .365 3pt%, .801 FT%), 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 27.2 minutes per game in 814 career games with Philadelphia (2002-03 – 2005-06), Sacramento (2006-07 – 2008-09 and 2011-12 – 2013-14), Chicago (2008-09 – 2009-10), and Milwaukee (2009-10 – 2010-11). Through 18 games (started eight) this season, he has posted 5.8 points (.350 FG%, .381 3pt%, 7-7 FT), 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 24.7 minutes per contest.

Vasquez, who was acquired during the offseason in a three-team trade by Sacramento from New Orleans in exchange for guard Tyreke Evans, averaged 9.8 points (.433 FG%, .320 3pt%, .938 FT%), 1.9 rebounds, a team-high 5.3 assists and 25.8 minutes per game in starting all 18 games for the Kings this season. In his four NBA campaigns with Memphis (2010-11), New Orleans (2011-12 – 2012-13) and Sacramento, Vasquez is averaging 9.0 points (.429 FG%, .325 3pt%, .818 FT%), 2.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 24.6 minutes per game in 232 career contests. Born in Venezuela, he was drafted by the Grizzlies out of Maryland with the 28th overall selection of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Signed by the Kings as a free agent on December 23, 2011, Hayes is averaging averaging 4.0 points (.502 FG%, .612 FT%), 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 19.3 minutes per game in 568 career contests with Houston (2005-06 – 2010-11) and Sacramento (2011-12 – 2013-14). Through 16 games this season, he has registered 2.1 points (.438 FG%, .714 FT%), 2.9 rebounds and 11.2 minutes per game, including one start.

Patterson, acquired by the Kings last season in a multi-player trade with Houston, has accrued averages of 6.9 points (.410 FG%, .231 3pt%, .563 FT%), a career-high 5.8 rebounds and 24.4 minutes per game in 17 games (started six) this season. Drafted by the Rockets in the first round (14th overall) in the 2010 NBA Draft, he has amassed career averages of 8.2 points (.488 FG%, .341 3pt%, .713 FT%), 4.5 rebounds and 22.3 minutes per game in 204 contests in four seasons with Houston (2010-11 – 2012-13) and Sacramento (2012-13 – 2013-14).

It’s Official: Rudy Gay to Kings in Seven Player Deal

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Photo credit: Kings.com

By Charlie O. Mallonee

It’s official, Rudy Gay and two players have been traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Greivis Vasquez and three additional Kings’ players.

Gay, a 6-9 forward, averages 19.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 38 minutes per game this season. In 18 games this year, he has a field goal percentage of 38.8% and is 77.3% from the free throw line. Gay is 27 years old and is in his seventh year in the league.

Gray is a 7-0 center who averages 1.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Acy is a 6-7 forward who scores 2.7 points and pulls down 2.1 rebounds per contest.

The players going to Toronto are Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes. Hayes is the only player that has a guaranteed contract for 2014-15.

Point guard Greivis Vasquez appears to be the key player in the trade for Toronto. Vazquez has been the starting point guard for the Kings, He becomes expendable because the Kings have Isaiah Thomas who has been playing point guard coming off the bench as a sixth man. The Kings also have rookie point guard Ray McCallum who has seen very little action this season.

The Kings host the Dallas Mavericks Monday night in Sacramento. The new Kings arrived in Sacramento Monday afternoon but will not play until Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.

“We’re excited to welcome these additions to our team,” said Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro. “In Rudy we’ve acquired one of the league’s proven scorers while Aaron and Quincy provide size and depth in our frontcourt. We also appreciate the contributions and efforts that John, Chuck, Greivis and Patrick made to the Kings organization. We all wish them the very best moving forward.”

Kings Arena: Bid rules to be loosened for arena contractors, non union firms to get a shot

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by Ken Gimblin

SACRAMENTO–Non Union contractors who protested that union only contractors get to develop the Sacramento Kings new basketball arena downtown when the contractors were originally announced will have a shot during a possilbe new bid process. ICON Venue Group was given the contract to manage the project, Turner Construction group was selected to do the pre construction work, and AECOM was chosen to do the architect work design on the arena, during the bid process AECOM and Turner were selected by the city.

According to Sacramento officials the bid process would be suspended loosening up the competetive bid procedures and it will now allow small businesses to get involved in the arena build. The Kings will be in charge of decdiding who wins in the bid process. Non-union contractors had taken up sides with anti downtown arena groups in their attempt to put a subsidy proposal on the Sacramento June 2014 ballot that would allow voters to answer the question if public subsidies should be allowed to build new entertainment or sports facilities in Sacramento.

The non union groups joined the campaign after it was learned that only union groups would be used as contract developers for the new arena. The non union groups said that the bid process was not fair and equal and that non union contractors should have an opportunity to work on the new arena as well. After it was learned they would not be included in the construction process a non union group leader took the microphone at a Kings ceromony at Westfield Mall and told the group and Kings organizers standing there that the non-union group would protest the new arena.

The Sacramento city council will be asked to vote on the bid proposal rules to allow the smaller groups and non union groups to have a shot at working on the arena. If the non-union groups are allowed to work on the new arena they will most likely drop out of the anti arena campaign to put the subsisdy question on the ballot.

However it was reported the damage might have been done and that the subsidy question could be placed on the June ballot as it’s been disclosed that STOP Sacramento Taxpayers Opposed to Pork and Voters for a Fair Arena Deal two groups who are trying to gather signatures on the petition to get the measure in the ballot are closing in on the 22,000 signatures required by mid December.

The NBA has stated that they expect the arena to be up and running by October 2016 in time for the pre season if not the NBA has the option to move the club.

Ken Gimblin is covering the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors arena builds for Sportstalk Radio

Kings Beat Jazz in Overtime

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Photo credit: Melissa Majchrak

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz on Saturday night in overtime 112-102. It was not only a big road win, but it was a win in a close game that Kings needed very badly.

The Kings had lost the proverbial heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Friday night. The team, the coaching staff and the fans were beginning to wonder if the team would ever be able to win a close game this season.

Saturday did not start off the way the Kings would have liked. DeMarcus Cousins picked up two personal fouls in the first minute of the game. With Cousins on the bench, the Kings had their work cut out for them to just keep the game close until their star center could return.

The Jazz led the game 50-47 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Kings began to open up the game. The Jazz had no answer for Cousins down low in the paint. Isaiah Thomas was breaking down the Utah defense driving the lane and distributing the ball at will. The Kings led 74-70 after three quarters, and it felt like the Kings could run away with the game if they could continue playing the way they did in the third.

Early in the fourth quarter the Kings shooting went cold. At one point, the Kings were shooting just 29% while the Jazz were shooting 54% from the field. It began to look like the Lakers, Golden State and Oklahoma City games all over again.

After the game, head coach Michael Malone said he kept calling timeouts not to set plays or the defense, but to try and instill confidence in his team that they could win a close game.

With 11.9 seconds to go in the game, the Kings trailed the Jazz 97-94. Isaiah Thomas took the ball and started to drive the lane when looked to his right and saw Ben McLemore. He swung the ball to McLemore who shot a 25 footer that was good for three points tying the game at 97-97. The Jazz were unable to score, and it was off to overtime for the second time this season for both teams.

DeMarcus Cousins scored the first points in the extra period on a layup with an assist from John Salmons. That basket set the tone for the Kings who would go on to outscore the Jazz 15-5 in overtime. Sacramento closed out the period on a 10-0 run to win the game 112-102.

Cousins led all scorers with 28 points. He added seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocked shots. Isaiah Thomas tallied 26 points, eight assists and four steals. Ben McLemore posted 15 points, nine rebounds and two steals in his 38 minutes of playing time.

Gordon Hayward led the Jazz with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots.

Sacramento’s record improves to 5-13 on the season. Utah falls to 4-18 for the year.

The Kings flew home after the game and will now prepare for a Monday night contest with the Dallas Mavericks at Sleep Train Arena.

Kings Fold in the Fourth; Lose to Lakers 106-100

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Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Kings lost at home on Friday night to the Los Angeles Lakers 106-100. It was game they did not have to lose. It was a game the Kings should have won.

After the game, Kings Head Coach Michael Malone said one word was on his mind, “discipline. And, we had none in this game tonight.”

Turnovers and lack of defense in the fourth quarter led to the Kings defeat. The Kings turned to ball over five times in the final period. The Lakers outscored the Kings 25-13 in fourth. That lack of discipline cost Sacramento the 87-81 lead they had after three periods of play.

The game started slow for the Kings. It looked like they might fall back into their habit of falling seriously behind and then having to play catch up later in the game. With 3:19 to play in the first, Isaiah Thomas came into the game for Vasquez and the Kings’ tempo changed dramatically. They went from trailing the Lakers by seven to leading the game by two points (30-28) by the end of the quarter. The crowd knew their team could win the game if they continued to play at that level.

In the second quarter, Thomas continued to lead the way. He played the entire 12 minutes, scored 10 points and dished out three assists. The problem for the Kings became their shot selection and shooting percentage. Sacramento’s field goal shooting dropped to 36.0% (9/25) while the Lakers shot 50.0%. The Kings managed to outscore the Lakers 25-24 in the quarter and took a 55-52 lead with them to locker room at the half.

The Kings came out in the third quarter ready to do battle. They established an eight point lead (68-60) by the 7:39 mark in the period. Then with 6:39 to play, DeMarcus Cousins picked up his fourth personal foul which would ultimately have a dramatic impact on the game as he had to sit on the bench. The rest of the Kings went to work picking up the slack. When Ben McLemore hit back-to-back 3-pointers, it looked like the Kings were poised to beat the Lakers. When the quarter ended, the score was the Kings 87 and the Lakers 81.

Then came the disastrous fourth quarter and the Kings shot just 23.5% (4/17). Isaiah Thomas was 0/4, Cousins was 0/4 and Williams 0/1 from the field. Sacramento turned the ball over five times. They allowed the Lakers to steal the ball five times in the period. The Lakers outscored the Kings 25-13. The Kings ran out of gas, things got ugly and they lost the game 106-100.

“Obviously this isn’t what we worked on, diagrammed or hoped for,” said Michael Malone. “It’s obvious that we have to do a lot more. I thought we had great late-game execution against Golden State. We got whatever we wanted, we scored, and we executed. Tonight, down the stretch, we turned the ball over on almost every possession. It was very disappointing, obviously. We’ll have another chance tomorrow in Utah and we need to regroup to find a way to get a road win.”

DeMarcus Cousins and Ben McLemore led all scorers in the game with 20 points each. Isaiah Thomas tallied 14 points before going cold in the fourth quarter. John Salmons added 13 points; Williams and Thompson had nine points each.

Cousins made it a double-double game with his 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Pau Gasol and Jodie Meeks led the Lakers in scoring with 19 points each. Nick Young scored 14, Wesley Johnson and Steve Blake 13 each and Robert Sacre added 11 points.  Blake posted a double-double by adding 10 assists.

The Kings boarded a plane for Salt Lake City after the game. They will play the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. The Jazz were destroyed by the Trail Blazers on Friday night 130-97. On paper, the Kings should have real chance to defeat the Jazz, but that’s on paper. The reality is the game is on road versus a team that is just as hungry for a win as are the Kings.

Kings new arena: Local businessman donates 25K to keep subsidy question on ballot

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 by Ken Gimblin

SACRAMENTO–Local business tycoon Chris Rufer has put up $25,000 in donated money to the campaign to stop the Sacramento Kings downtown arena which would place a subsidy question on the June 2014 Sacramento ballot. While the City, local government, and many supporters of the Kings proposed new downtown arena at Westfield Mall is under plans the opposition could turn out to be a wild card as they’re fund raising is starting to take on a life of it’s on.

Rufer whose business is in Sacramento is taking the opposing view. In addition to Rufer’s donation there are two groups working to oppose the arena build in downtown and they both have raised tens of thousands of dollars in their campaign to oppose it.

The groups are fighting to keep an intiative on the ballot that questions if public sudsidies should finance any new proposed sports or entertainment facilities in Sacramento. So far the group STOP Sacramento Taxpayers opposed to Pork and Voters for a Fair Arena Deal have stepped up raising nearly $40,000.

A group who is in favor of the subsidy has delivered collecting cash and checks in the amount of $26,000 and this group is fighting to keep the question of public subsidies being used off the ballot. The price tag for a new Sacramento downtown arena subsidy is $258 million.

The Voters for a Fair Arena Deal have raised $8,500 and STOP has raised $31,473 both groups who are pushing for the opposition to the new arena and putting the question about public funds being spent towards any new such subsidies need 22,000 signatures on the petition to get the queston on the ballot. The 22,000 signatures needed are due by mid December.

The campaign’s credibilty was in question over  the summer when Chris Hansen who wanted to buy the Kings and move them to Seattle funded the signature gathering effort to get the question on the ballot spending $100,000 and having a Los Angeles law firm manage the campaign. STOP said they had no idea that Hansen funded the campaign and Hansen later ended up having to pay a $50,000 fine for violating California campaign disclosure laws.

Rufer is the founder of a company group called Morning Star which is a tamato producer which profits $350 million annually. Rufer’s company now controls 40 percent of the tamato processing in America. Rufer had issues in his company when a former Morning Star executive Fredrick Scott Salyer was sentenced to six years in prison for rackateering and price fixing charges. Rufer said in court papers that alledgedly Salyer cheated the company by bribing executives from competing companies at Kraft foods and Frito Lay, Salyer also alledgedly bribed Rufer’s personal assistant to steal confidential company data.

Ken Gimblin is covering the Sacramento Kings new arena build for Sportstalk Radio

Kings lose to Thunder, 97-95

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By George Devine, Sr.

The Kings found out tonight how much DeMarcus Cousins has meant to their offense, by going without him against Oklahoma City. Cousins, who sprained his ankle in a game against the Warriors two days earlier, watched as the Thunder eclipsed Sacramento, 97-95.

Isaiah Thomas took the leadership role for the home team, scoring 24 points; 21 of them were in the final period and it looked as though the Kings would come through, but it was not to be. At one point late in the game, between the third and fourth periods, the Thunder went on an 18-0 run. The Kings were scoreless for the last three minutes of the game; Thomas could not make the final shot to neutralize the visitors’ advantage, and was outscored by OKC’s Kevin Durant, who had 27 points and also contributed 11 boards. Also leading for Oklahoma City were Russell Westbrook with 15 points, 7 assists and 8 rebounds, Jeremy Lamb with 14 points and both Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka with a baker’s dozen apiece. Ibaka also accounted for 9 rebounds.
For Sacramento, Ben McLemore tallied 14, followed by Derrick Williams with 13, Greivis Vasquez with a dozen and Jason Thompson with 10; Thompson also had 10 boards.

Kings vs Clippers Preview

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By Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings have not played a game since their loss last Sunday to the LA Lakers 100-86. The team looked tired in the second half of the Lakers game after losing a heartbreaker to the Cippers 103-102 on Saturday night.

The Clippers defeated the Knicks 93-80 on Wednesday night even with Chris Paul having to leave the game with a strained hamstring.

After the Knicks game, the Clippers seemed very pleased with their defense that held NYK to just 80 points. The Clippers have primarily been defeating teams with their offense. They have not lost a game this season when the team has scored 100 points or more in the contest.

The Kings will need to concentrate on controlling the defensive boards tonight. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan can dominate the rebounding situation and kill a team with easy put back shots off the rebound. The Kings will need more than just Cousins to battle under the bucket to keep the Clippers from having multiple opportunities on offense.

The Kings must also play better defense on Friday. The Clippers are shooting 47.9% as a team. The Kings need to bring that percentage down into the low 40’s in order to post a victory.

The Kings will also need to show improved shooting versus the Clippers. Sacramento is averaging just 42.7% shooting from the field. That shooting percentage will not get it done against the Clippers.

The Clippers must contain DeMarcus Cousins if they are to win. Cousins scored 23 points and pulled down 19 rebounds versus LAC last Saturday. Cousins may have some help on the front line tonight with Derrick Williams starting at small forward. This will be Williams’ first game as a King.

The Clippers have two players with health issues coming into the game. Paul’s hamstring is questionable, but he has said he will be ready to play Friday night. Blake Griffin is nursing a tender elbow that had to have fluid drained off it earlier this week.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PST. The game can be seen on CSNCA and heard on the Kings Radio Network.

 Ray McCallum Returns from Reno

 The Kings have recalled rookie guard Ray McCallum from the Reno Bighorns of the NBA D-League. McCallum joined the Bighorns on November 21.

McCallum averaged a team high 22 points (45.5 FG%, 30.8 3pt%, 66.7 FT%), 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.33 steals and a team high 38.0 minutes of playing time in three games with Reno.

McCallum should probably buy some tire chains as he may well be making the trip between Sacramento and Reno several times this season. The Kings want him to get playing time. If the PT does not come in Sacramento, he will be sent to Reno to get some game experience.

Kings Trade for Power Forward Derrick Williams

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By Charlie O. Mallonee

If you thought the Sacramento Kings new ownership and management were just going to struggle through the season until the draft, you were wrong. The Kings have sent Luc Mbah a Moute to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Power Forward Derrick Williams.

“We’re excited to acquire a player with Derrick’s skillset,” said D’Alessandro. “He will add size, length and serve as a scoring threat in our frontcourt. We also want to thank Luc for his contributions during the short time he was a King. We wish him the best.”

Williams was the second overall draft pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Much had been expected of Williams, but he was never able to settle in at one spot long enough to thrive. The Timberwolves tried him at Small Forward, but that did not pan out. He was moved back to Power Forward, but that put Williams up against Kevin Love for playing time.

Williams did show he can be a force at the four spot when Love was out due to injury. His point production and rebound totals went up exponentially with his increased playing time. Williams wanted out of Minnesota in order to go to a team that would up his time on the floor.

Williams is 6-8, 240 pound forward. He is averaging 4.9 points (35.2 FG%, 13.3 3PT%, 87.5 FT%), 2.4 rebounds and 14.7 minutes of playing time per game. His playing time should increase rapidly as the Kings look for answers at the Power Forward position.

Mbah a Moute was a real key in executing this trade. The Timberwolves are looking for a greater defensive presence on the floor. Mbah a Moute is capable of defending the small forward and the guards. He was making an impact on defense for the Kings, but Sacramento needs additional scoring up front to take some of the pressure off of DeMarcus Cousins.

Kings fans should get their first look at Williams on Friday night when the LA Clippers come to Sleep Train Arena.

Lakers cruise past the Kings 100-86

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By Charlie O. Mallonee

No one likes to play the LA Lakers at Staples Center. The crowd, the stars and “show time” make for major distractions. If you have to play the Lakers at home, an opposing team would like LA to have a losing record and be without Kobe Bryant (Achilles) and Steve Nash (nerve irritation). That was the scenario for the Sacramento Kings to take advantage of on Sunday night in SoCal.

In order to have good showing versus the Lakers, the Kings needed to break the cycle of falling 15 to 20 points behind in the first quarter then fighting their way back into the game. This would be even more important against a Lakers team that loves to run.

The tempo was fast and furious in the first period as the teams traded scoring. The Kings were led by Greivis Vasquez with 13 points and DeMarcus Cousins who scored eight points as the team put up 24 points. Sacramento shot 45.5% (10/22) in the quarter. After one period of play, the Lakers led the Kings 29-24 as Sacramento showed much improved play in the first quarter.

The second quarter started off with the Lakers being on fire. They were running and gunning as they hit 3-pointer after 3-pointer in transition and quickly took a 13 point lead. The Kings rather than lying down and blaming their play on it being the second game of a back-to-back fought their way back into contention trailing by just seven – 55-48 – at halftime.

The Kings shot 50.0% (21/42) for the half. Most those points came inside the arc as they shot just 25.0% (3/7) from 3-point land. Vazquez led all Kings scorers with 15 points.

The Lakers shot 46.7% (21/45) from the field. They shot just 31.2% (5/16) from beyond the 3-point line. The Lakers have averaged 41.0% for 3-pointers on the season. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 14 points in the half.

The third quarter was not a picture of perfection. Both teams struggled early. The Kings closed the Laker lead to two points but could contain LA. The Kings did not hit the outside shots and scored just 13 points in the quarter. The Lakers scored just 18 points. After three quarters, the Lakers led 73-61.

The Kings came out in fourth quarter looking like a young team that was playing the second game of back-to-back road games. The defense just went away and the shooting percentage kept falling. Couple that with the Lakers improved 3-point shooting and it was a recipe for disaster. The Lakers went on to win the game 100-86.

Greivis Vasquez led the Kings in scoring with 20 points. He added seven assists. DeMarcus Cousins finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Ben McLemore posted 15 points for the game. McLemore tried to provide a spark for the Kings with his play in the fourth quarter. You can see the potential for the young rookie to become a game changer as he gains more experience.

The Kings shot 41.7% (35/84) from the field and 33.3% (8/24) for 3-pointers. The most glaring stat was the pitiful 53.3% (8/15) from the free throw line.

Pau Gasol finished with a double-double – 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers shot 46.0% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the 3-point line.

COMING UP: The Kings will be able to get some rest this week as they will not play again until the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Kings will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. You know the Kings will up for that game after the stinging 103-102 loss on Saturday to the Clippers. Then on Sunday, the Kings Northern California brethren the Golden State Warriors pay a call on Sleep Train Arena. It will be quite the way to cap off a Thanksgiving Weekend.