Kings 100, Lakers 91
Marcus Thornton scored 27 points and Tyreke Evans added 20 as Sacramento sent the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-91 loss in the Kings' season opener Monday night.
Kobe Bryant had 29 points and six assists for the Lakers while Metta World Peace scored 19 and Pau Gasol had 15 points and nine rebounds. The Lakers went just 1 of 16 from 3-point range.
In his anticipated NBA debut, Kings rookie Jimmer Fredette had six points, making his first three shots before missing his final five. He also had three assists and three turnovers in 26 minutes.
Still reeling from a disheartening one-point loss on Christmas, the Lakers complete the third of three games in as many nights Tuesday against Utah.
Thornton gave the Kings an 85-70 lead with nine minutes remaining, but the Lakers battled back behind Gasol and Bryant.
Gasol brought the Lakers to 92-89 with a 16-footer at 3:48, but the Kings blocked two shots and forced misses. The Kings made just enough free throws in the final three minutes to hold off the Lakers.