Lakers Inch Closer To Division Title, Dethrone Kings 114-92

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under Main

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The Sacramento Kings, after their big win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, may have suffered the effects perhaps of the thin air in Colorado.? But tired they were as the Los Angeles Lakers exploited their lack of energy, blasting the Kings, 114-92, in front of the larger crowds at Arco Arena Sunday night.? The Lakers’ win pushes them ahead by 2 games over the Phoenix Suns for the Pacific Division title; they remain 1 1/2 games behind the New Orleans Hornets for the #1 seed in the Western Conference.

After Sacramento outscored Los Angeles 27-23 in the first quarter, the Lakers completely dominated the Kings.? The stats tell the tale: Los Angeles led in field goal percentage (52.6% vs. 41.8%), 3-point field goal percentage (54.5% vs. 27.8%), rebounds (46-33) and assists (26-11).? Los Angeles’ leading scorer was Kobe Bryant with 29 points, including 4 three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals while Vladimir Radmanovic scored 21 points, including?5treys, 14 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Pau Gasol added 20 with 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a block while Lamar Odom chipped in with 16, along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal and a block.

Sacramento was led by Kevin Martin with 22 points, a rebound, an assist and a steal while Ron Artest scored 19, including three treys, 4 rebounds and 2 steals; Spencer Hawes recorded a double-double, scoring 10 with 11 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocks.? Los Angeles (53-24) will now travel north up I-5 to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday while Sacramento (36-41) makes the very short trip to Oakland to take on the Golden State Warriors - also on Tuesday.

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