Lakers take lead after first quarter

After falling behind early, the Los Angeles Lakers closed the first quarter on a 10-2 run to grab a 28-27 lead over the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Kings led by as many seven in the opening period.

Vladimir Radmanovic had seven points to pace the Lakers, and John Salmons led Sacramento with 10.

Beno Udrih had four assists in the first quarter for the Kings.

Sacramento first-round draft pick Jason Thompson saw his first action of the game in the closing seconds of the quarter. He put up a shot immediately and missed badly from around the free-throw line.

You don’t see that every day

With about 2:30 to play in the first quarter, Kobe Bryant got free in the lane and took a pass from the wing.

As he took a step toward the rim, the crowd began to rise to its collective feet in anticipation of the highlight-reel dunk that was sure to follow.

Instead of a roar, a loud sigh was heard throughout the arena as Bryant’s two-handed effort rimmed out.

That’s why they play a preseason.

Of course, the perennial all-star didn’t take long to atone for his mistake.

On the following Lakers possession, Bryant took an alley-oop pass and threw down a crowd-pleasing dunk.

Improvements to the Mack

Tonight’s game marks the debut of a few notable improvements to the in-game experience at the Thomas & Mack Center.

It is especially noteworthy as the UNLV men's basketball team gets set to begin a new season in this building.

The first thing fans will notice when they enter the T&M this year is the upgraded video screens above center court.

The screens appear larger and are now in high-definition. There is also a new banner above the screens that features the score and time remaining on all four sides.

A new rotating electronic banner has been installed along the front of the scorer’s table, as well.