Lakers defeat Kings 98-92 at Thomas & Mack

By Brett Okamoto

Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 | 12:07 a.m.

For the eighth time since 2000, Las Vegas hosted an NBA preseason matchup between Sacramento and Los Angeles. This time, the Lakers defeated the Kings 98-92 on Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The final score was similar to previous games in that neither team has won by more than seven points in Las Vegas.

In past years, close finishes were expected as both teams entered the regular season with playoff aspirations.

Thursday’s close finish, however, could be more credited to the Lakers’ decision to make it so.

“What was the final score?” said head coach Phil Jackson, when asked if he was happy with the result. “I had a way of trying to make that game exciting for the fans. We substituted freely and we made it close enough that it was a little exciting at the end.”

It was a nice gift for the 14,741 fans who crowded into the arena to see the show. It was the highest attendance since 2005.

Andrew Bynum scored 20 points in the first half to help the Lakers to a 63-48 lead at the break. The Lakers' (2-1) largest lead, 22 points, came late in the third quarter.

It was relatively easy work for the 7-foot Lakers center, continually working inside and getting the ball in the paint. He finished with 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the floor.

“Our passing was still suspect, but I thought that they found Andrew for real easy baskets underneath on lobs,” Jackson said. “He’s completing at the basket, and I think he’s stronger.”

Bynum credited his success on the offensive end to his ability to get up the floor quickly in transition.

“That’s something I need to focus on all year long — being the first one up and the first one back on defense,” Bynum said. “I think if I stay ahead of the ball, my game just got a lot better.”

Kobe Bryant was the Lakers second-leading scorer. He finished with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Jason Thompson led the Kings (0-3) with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Center Spencer Hawes had 18 points, and Tyreke Evans and Andres Nocioni each added 13 points.

Bynum was the only starter to play down the stretch as the Lakers allowed a 17-2 Sacramento run that pulled them as close as within five in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Point guard Derek Fisher said preseason matchups have been viewed as games that don't matter, but the rivalry has pushed both teams to improve.

“I don’t really remember a year where it meant a lot; it just always brought out the best in both teams,” Fisher said. “They pushed us to continue to be the best we could be.”

Once again, Las Vegas proved where its loyalties lie, as the large crowd cheered almost exclusively for the Lakers.

That may have provided even more motivation for the "home team" to give them an exciting game, especially since they were skipping a chance to watch another successful Los Angeles team.

“This was a real good crowd, especially since there’s a playoff game with the Dodgers going on this evening,” Jackson said.

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected].