Kings lead at the half
The second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' annual exhibition game at the Thomas & Mack Center featured several lead changes, but the Sacramento Kings have gone to the break with a 49-47 lead.
John Salmons has eight points to pace the Kings, and Beno Udrih has four points, four rebounds and six assists.
Pau Gasol leads the Lakers with 10 points and four rebounds.
Who’s that guy?
Phil Jackson has shaved the beard that has become so familiar to basketball fans throughout his coaching career.
He is now completely clean-shaven.
Perhaps all the facial hair was the reason the Lakers struggled so much against the Celtics in the Finals.
Only time will tell.
Mountain West connection
Lakers backup point guard Brandon Heath is no stranger to the Thomas & Mack Center.
Heath had several outstanding games as a star point guard at San Diego State.
The rookie has averaged 10 minutes and 3.5 points per game in the Lakers’ two exhibitions.
Tonight, he has two steals and an assist in six first-half minutes.
Education of a Rookie
Sacramento rookie Jason Thompson, a lottery pick in this year’s draft, has looked lost at times, both in the summer league and tonight’s game.
Starting point guard Beno Udrih lectured the forward for several seconds after a turnover.
On the play, Thompson had position on Chris Mihm on the wing and Udrih threw him a pass.
Thompson allowed Mihm to get around him and steal the ball for a breakaway layup.
Udrih followed Thompson downcourt and explained to him the importance of shielding off the defender until the ball arrives.
A timeout was called by the Kings, and Udrih’s one-sided discussion continued all the way back to the huddle.
When the huddle broke, Udrih resumed his explanation to the youngster.
On Sacramento’s next possession, Thompson set a nice screen to free up a teammate for a basket.
Udrih made sure to find Thompson and acknowledge his efforts.
