December 10th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant typically does well at Arco Arena, home of the Sacramento Kings; Bryant did OK at the venue in Friday’s game against the Kings, scoring 28 points despite taking an inordinate number of shots (9-of-25). The Lakers shot a cold 40.2% while the Kings shot nearly 50% (49.4% actually) with the end result being Sacramento upsetting Los Angeles 113-101. The Kings with the win snapped an 8-game home losing streak.
The Kinjgs’ much-needed time off paid instant dividends as Fernando Garcia scored 14 first-half points with Sacramento taking an early 11-point lead; Bryant finally warmed up entering the third quarter but so did the Kings’ John Salmons as he scored 12 points in the period to keep the Kings up 87-80 going into the fourth quarter. The Kings would score 8 consecutive points to increase their lead to 97-82 with 9 1/2 minutes remaining; they would increase their lead by 17 with 6 1/2 minutes left, and Beno Udrih’s layup put Sacramento up for good at 110-92.
The Kings’ high-scoring honors went to Salmons and Garcia with 21 apiece – with Salmons grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists along with a steal while Garcia grabbed 3 rebounds along with a steal and a blocked shot; Bobby Jackson scored 15 (including three 3′s) from off the bench along with 2 rebounds and an assist. Los Angeles’ high scorer was Bryant with 28 points (including 3 treys), 4 rebounds and 3 assists while Pau Gasol added 25 with 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocked shots. Sacramento (6-16) plays again on Friday when they play a rematch with the Lakers – this time at Staples Center.
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Even though the Lakers won’t win them all, Kobe will need his role players to step it up during times his stroke goes south. Gasol is a great option down low if Kobe is off his shot.