Kings at Lakers
THE STORY: Sacramento dropped a 108-100 decision to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday after trailing by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter. The Kings also announced a financing plan for a new $391 million arena before the game. The new arena, in the downtown railyard area, will keep the Kings in Sacramento for at least 30 years. The Kings don’t have much time to lament their home loss to the Clippers, as they'll head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Friday night. Kobe Bryant sat out Thursday’s practice - receiving treatment on his neck for his concussion after scoring 31 points Wednesday - but is likely to play on Friday.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, CSN CA (Kings), Fox West (Lakers)
ABOUT THE KINGS (12-23): Despite a 100-91 victory over the Lakers in their season opener on Dec. 26, the Kings have lost nine of 11 in the series and trail 82-32 in the Sacramento era. In that victory, the Kings limited the Lakers to 1-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc. Also in that game, Marcus Thornton scored 27 and shot a season-best 69.2 percent (9 of 13). Forward J.J. Hickson left the game in the third quarter with a lower back bruise and is day-to-day.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (21-14): Bryant intends to wear a protective plastic mask until his nose is no longer swollen. Coach Mike Brown still seems in awe of Bryant’s healing powers and production. “I don't know if there's going to be anything that he does now that surprises me," Brown said. “You try not to take (his play) for granted because he's special with what he does out on the floor. In the same breath, he is Kobe. I'm kind of contradicting myself.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Kings guard Isaiah Thomas was selected Western Conference rookie of the month. He led conference rookies in February in scoring (12.2 points) and was second in assists (4.4)
2. The Lakers are 14-1 as the home team at Staples Center since losing their Christmas Day opener to Chicago. They also lost once at Staples as the visitor to the Clippers.
3. The Kings had at least 20 assists in four of their last five games, but managed just 14 to the Clippers’ 30 on Thursday night.