Half: Kings 59, Lakers 55

As much as they said they weren't looking forward to Sunday's rematch of the NBA Finals, they couldn't help themselves against an inferior team. The Lakers? Yes, but the Boston Celtics, too. Neither was in top form tonight. The Lakers trailed the Sacramento Kings after failing to play anything resembling tight defense. Meanwhile, the Celtics were getting kicked by the Suns in Phoenix. The Lakers and Celtics meet Sunday at Staples Center for the first time since the Lakers beat the Celtics in Game 7 of the Finals last June. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points on 10-for-14 shooting for the Lakers tonight.