While the Lakers' win at Arco Arena on Tuesday was bringing them within a half game of the league's best record, the Kings' loss was bringing them one step closer to securing the league's worst record.
With 61 losses, they are -- entering Wednesday -- one loss ahead of Washington and the Clippers. And while no one is accusing the Kings of tanking (they really are that bad), they would certainly be thrilled if they are rewarded for their historically horrific season with a chance to pick first in the June draft. To that end, the player they would most likely take -- Oklahoma's Blake Griffin -- officially declared for the draft on Tuesday. The sophomore forward was widely expected to forgo his final two collegiate seasons, but the official word officially means the Kings are hoping that luck is in their favor. If they finish with the worst record in the league, they will have a 25 percent chance of picking first and will be guaranteed to pick no lower than fourth overall.
LAKERS 122, KINGS 104: For seven minutes, the Kings fans at Arco Arena started to believe an upset could be in order. But after the woebegone home team jumped out to a 29-17 lead, the Lakers went on a 54-26 run to lead 71-55 at halftime and coast to the win thereafter.
Center Pau Gasol had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Kobe Bryant had 22 points for the Lakers, while the Kings tried to no avail to keep pace by way of the 3-point shot (seven of 30 overall).
