Statistical corner

No practice Saturday, so here are a few facts and figures to gnaw on.

The Lakers' next five opponents were at or below .500 going into Saturday's action. The Sacramento Kings, tonight's foe, are 5-9, the New Jersey Nets are 5-6, the Dallas Mavericks are 6-7, the Toronto Raptors are 6-6 and the Indiana Pacers are 5-6. ...

The Lakers (10-1) are off to their best start since beginning the 2001-02 season with a 16-1 record. That team went on to win the third of its three consecutive NBA titles to start this decade, sweeping the New Jersey Nets in the Finals. ...

The Lakers were second in the league in scoring going into Saturday's games, averaging 104.8 points, and third in defense (91.3). No team has led the league in offense and defense since the NBA went to a four-division format before the 1970-71 season, according to research by the Lakers' crack media relations staff. ...

The Lakers have led the NBA in scoring four times since they moved to Los Angeles from Minneapolis in 1960, but have never been the league's top defensive team. ...

The Lakers' average margin of victory is 13.5 points, best in the NBA. ...