Slam Dunk Central

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The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are two teams of differing contrasts - the Kings are going to the NBA lottery, while the Lakers are going to the playoffs, yet have some additional incentive in this last game of the season: top seeding in the Western Conference playoffs.? Los Angeles, in Tuesday night’s game against the Kings, received balanced scoring as they trounced Sacramento 124-101 at Staples Center.? The win guaranteed the Lakers the #1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Los Angeles made their first 4 shots, taking a 8-0 lead and went into the second quarter leading 34-27; the Kings had troubles of their own in the first half as Fernando Garcia sat out the final 8 1/2 minutes of the second quarter with 3 fouls, as would teammate Spencer Hawes.? The Lakers took advantage and went into halftime leading 62-48; the Lakers’ Lamar Odom scored 5 points during a 12-4 run that gave Los Angeles a 76-57 early in the third quarter along with a 22-7 explosion that extended their lead to 101-72 going into the fourth quarter.? The Kings would never recover.

Los Angeles had 6 players in double-digits, led by Pau Gasol with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks while Kobe Bryant scored 20 with 3 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal; Odom added 15 with 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3steals and 2 blocks.? Sacramento was led by Quincy Douby who scored a career-high 32 points, including 3treys, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal while Beno Udrih scored 22 with 4 rebounds and 6 assists; Garcia added 15 with 3three-pointers, a rebound, 4 assists and 2 steals.? Los Angeles (57-25) goes into the postseason playing either Denver or Dallas, probably on Sunday while Sacramento ends their season, improving their win-loss record from last season to 38-44.