There’s no good way to do this. Those who know anything about the newspaper industry know that times are quite rough. Newspapers everywhere are dealing with the constant threat of layoffs and cutbacks, and on Friday the Daily News got hit hard. Those who are interested can read more about it at dailynews.com:

We lost 22 fine journalists on Friday, and I’m sad to tell you that Matt Kredell was among them. It’s quite a blow for us. It was a business decision, one the people who own our newspaper felt needed to be made, and unfortunately, Matt got caught in a numbers game. Matt spent nine years working his way up the Daily News ladder, and covered pretty much everything for us, from high school soccer to the NBA Finals. It’s rough to see him go, especially since I’ve seen, firsthand, how hard he has worked covering the Kings this season. He often worked extra hours, because he wanted to provide the best Kings coverage he could.

This job that we do, it might seem like fun and games…and often it is, but it can be rough. Matt wanted me to relay to you how much he enjoyed doing this blog, in particular, and how much he appreciated all the comments and support from you, the readers. His departure is significant, and it will be felt for a long while.

To that extent, others will have to step into the void, and right now that means me. This was never MY blog. It belongs to everyone, most importantly those of you who read it and make it as successful as it is. So that’s why I’m more than willing to step back in and keep things running. It’s shaping up to be a big, crucial summer for the Kings, and I’m enthused about bringing you the best possible coverage. We’ll do our best, under some unusual and difficult circumstances, to maintain the high level that you have come to expect. I thank you in advance for your patience and, as always, for your great support.