Kings vs. Lakers game recap: Thornton, Cousins carry Sacramento to 103-98 win

Marcus Thornton led Sacramento with 19 points as the Kings defeated the Lakers in Las Vegas on Friday night.

Kings' Aaron Brooks a natural leader

Sacramento Kings point guard Aaron Brooks bringing veteran presence to Keith Smart's team.

Warriors, Kings given long odds to win NBA championship

The Warriors and Kings are long shots at winning an NBA championship this year.

Kings vs. Suns NBA preseason recap: Sacramento holds off Phoenix 102-96

The Kings won their first preseason game by holding off the Suns, thanks to DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmer Fredette and company.

Kings training in Colorado for conditioning and 'camaraderie'

Sacramento will hold its first week of preseason camp in Colorado Springs, Colo. to create a sense of unity and a team-first attitude among players.

Former King Donte Greene Agrees To Deal With Brooklyn Nets

When the Kings decided not to extend a qualifying offer to Donte Greene, it signaled his unofficial departure from Sacramento. His departure became official Thursday when Greene agreed to a deal in principle with the Brooklyn Nets, according to Marc. J Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Ex-Kings forward Donte Greene has agreed in principle to sign a contract with the Brooklyn Nets, a source tells Yahoo! Sports.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) August 23, 2012

Greene played in 53 games for the Kings last season including seven starts. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. He spent four years with the Kings after being acquired in a trade with Houston which sent Ron Artest to the Rockets.

Greene's departure does not come as a surprise. After the team decided not to extend him a qualifying offer in July, Greene took to Twitter to confirm his days with the Kings were over.

Bye-Bye SAC! Been a good 4yrs. Made so many friends and love all da fans!!!! #grindtime #on2danext #COS

— Donte Greene (@dontegreeneCOS) June 27, 2012

For more on the Kings, head over to Sactown Royalty.

NBA Predictions: Kings Picked Last In Western Conference By ESPN

The Sacramento Kings have been a lottery team for much longer than they would have hoped. Despite having a high draft pick the last five years or so, the team has been unable to make a move in the Western Conference and finished with a disappointing 22-44 record in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.

ESPN released their predictions for the the upcoming season on Tuesday for the West. Their experts see the Kings finishing with a mark of 29-53, worst in the conference.

There are some things to like about this team as constructed now, most notably third-year big man DeMarcus Cousins. If he, Jason Thompson and first-round pick Thomas Robinson can mesh together in the paint, Sacramento could give opponents some trouble down low. If Tyreke Evans is able to regain his rookie form and stay healthy, he could also be a big piece for the Kings moving forward.

For more on the Kings, head over to Sactown Royalty.

Jimmer Fredette Trade Rumors: Could The Thunder Be Interested?

The Sacramento Kings might be interested in moving Jimmer Fredette to clear up a crowded back court, and Sam Amico of Fox Sports believes the Oklahoma City Thunder could be the perfect buyers.

Here's what Amico had to say about a possible Fredette/Thunder marriage:

"Speaking of Kings, Jimmer Fredette would love to go someplace where someone other than just DeMarcus Cousins will pass him the ball. Thunder would love to pry Fredette away from Kings as replacement for Derek Fisher. Kevin Durant is a Jimmer fan."

While the Thunder haven't actually expressed their interest yet and this is still just a rumor at this point, the connection makes sense. Fredette fell out of favor fast in Sacramento last season, playing only 18.6 minutes per game behind the likes of Isaiah Thomas and shooting only 38.6% from the field. Even so, that potential of Fredette evolving into deadly three point threat still remains and that's exactly what the Thunder could use.

Oklahoma City does have Eric Maynor returning from his ACL injury to replace Derek Fisher as the backup point guard but next season could be his last in a Thunder uniform as he's in the final year of his contract.

It's still unclear at this point what the Kings could get back in return for Fredette's services with the team selling low after a poor rookie campaign but the former BYU sensation did average 18 PPG in five summer league contests. Sacramento still has a need at SF but it's doubtful the Thunder would give up someone like Thabo Sefolosha for Fredette alone.

Sacramento Kings Extend Keith Smart Through 2013-14 Season

The Sacramento Kings made an unexpected offseason decision when they decided to extend head coach Keith Smart for another season through the 2013-14 year. Smart was originally the interim head coach this season after Paul Westphal got axed, got his option picked up for 2012-13.

Here's an official statement from Kings general manager Geoff Petrie.

"Keith's extension gives us the stability we need to continue the development of our team," Petrie said. "He has the commitment, energy and vision necessary to succeed in building a winning team. We are all looking forward to working with him as we pursue an exciting and productive future."

It seems like a peculiar time to extend Smart because it is a peculiar time. It's very likely the Kings are extending Smart now so they can avoid really having to break the bank for him if he does turn out to be a good head coach, and it allows them wiggle room to get rid of him if he's mediocre before it becomes too costly to keep him on. The Kings really don't gain anything from extending Smart, because they're not sure if he'll pan out or not.

Obviously Smart has a good relationship with Cousins, which is important since he's probably going to be the best player on this Kings squad for quite some time. Still, it's a bit early to extend a man who has yet to prove anything as a basketball head coach. Smart is 56-85 in his last two seasons as an NBA head coach with the Warriors and the Kings. He has a lot to prove and the Kings are giving him the chance to prove it.

Talk about the Smart contract extension with Kings fans by heading on over to Sactown Royalty.

Check out the SB Nation NBA YouTube channel and see if you'd be willing to subscribe to the videos.

2012 Sacramento Kings Preseason Schedule: 3 Meetings With Lakers On The Docket

The month of August is already upon us, meaning that Summer is already on the wain. But with the end of one thing brings the start on another, meaning the Fall, more important the NBA season, is drawing nearer by the moment.

The Sacramento Kings released their preseason schedule on Wednesday, with a trio of meetings with Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and the Los Angeles Lakers on the docket. They'll start their exhibitions against the Suns on October 10th, followed by their only other preseason games at Power Band, an October 15 meeting with Portland and a showdown with their Bay Area rival Warriors on the 17th.

They'll play in Las Vegas on October 19th in their first meeting, that two days later on the 21st at Staples Center. They will finish their preseason with another meeting with the Lake Show down in San Diego at the Valley View Casino Center, formerly known as the Sports Arena.

Below is the schedule in full.

For more on the Sacramento Kings, make sure to check out Sactown Royalty.

2012-13 Sacramento Kings Schedule Released, Only National Telecasts On NBATV

The 2012-13 Sacramento Kings schedule has been released, with only a handful of national telecasts all on NBATV. Sacramento will start the season by taking on the Chicago Bulls.

Sacramento Kings Sign Aaron Brooks, Waive Hassan Whiteside

The Sacramento Kings have found the point guard they wanted after getting a small forward they needed. Aaron Brooks is headed to Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings.....

— Aaron Brooks (@Thirty2zero) July 16, 2012

Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reports that the deal is done at $6.6 million over two years, with the second year being a player option.

Brooks has been out of the NBA for a season after spending last year's lockout-abbreviated campaign in China, but he's only two years removed from being the NBA's Most Improved Player, so you have to figure at 27 years old he has something left in him. It remains to be seen if Brooks or Isaiah Thomas will start, but Sacramento can now feel a little bit more comfortable in their point guard depth.

With Sacramento having a set four big man rotation, the Kings decided it was best to part ways with Hassan Whiteside, their second round draft pick from 2010. Whiteside was always a project center, but it appears after two seasons he was still pretty much still a project center. With DeMarcus Cousins and Chuck Hayes all ready to go at center and Thomas Robinson providing more quality interior depth, the Kings felt like there was no use waiting for him and let him go.

Talk about Brooks and Whiteside with Kings fans at Sactown Royalty.

Check out the SB Nation NBA YouTube channel below and see if you'd be willing to subscribe to the videos.

Kings Offseason: With Deadline Sunday Sacramento Has Not Put In A Bid For Luis Scola, According To Report

The Sacramento Kings have not yet put in a waiver bid for Luis Scola with the Sunday, July 25 deadline fast approaching, according to a report from Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. The Kings interest in the forward, reported earlier here at SB Nation Bay Area, may be fading. SB Nation's Kings blog Sactown Royalty thinks the move would be a clear upgrade:

Although his play slipped a bit last season, Scola would still provide a talent upgrade for Sacramento. [...]The move would not be without questions. The Kings have an already crowded frontcourt of DeMarcus Cousins, the recently re-signed Jason Thompson, Thomas Robinson, Chuck Hayes, and Hassan Whiteside. Scola provides definitely upgrade over Whiteside, an upgrade over Chuck Hayes, and a likely short-term upgrade over Robinson.

If the Kings do pass on Scola that would be a disappointment for fans: pursuit of Scola leads a fan poll at Sactown Royalty by a 2:1 margin.

Stick with this StoryStream for news updates and more from the Sacramento Kings 2012 offseason. For all things Kings, head over to Sactown Royalty, and SB Nation's NBA hub has all your other basketball needs covered.

Sacramento Kings Among Teams Reportedly Interested In Luis Scola

The Sacramento Kings are still in the process of adding talent to the roster for the upcoming season. While their front line is apparently set with DeMarcus Cousins, Chuck Hayes, Thomas Robinson and Jason Thompson, that has not stopped their interested in amnestied forward Luis Scola.

According to a report from Mark Stein, the Kings are one of the teams most interested in adding Scola. He was surprising given the amnesty clause by the Rockets in order to presumably make room for Dwight Howard.

More amnesty scuttle: I'm told Charlotte, New Orleans and Sacramento all have levels of Scola interest and weighing whether to lodge bids

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 14, 2012

The addition of Scola would likely create a bit of a logjam in Sacramento, but you can never have too much talent. Given the uncertainty of Robinson's production, it might not be a bad idea to at least see the asking price for the former Houston big man.

For more on the Kings and their offseason plans, check out Sactown Royalty.

Sacramento Kings Re-Sign Jason Thompson, More Offseason Deals Could Be Coming

The Sacramento Kings have been quiet in their hand this offseason, but they finally got one of their long-expected free agency moves done with by signing Jason Thompson. This has long been expected and Thompson figures to be part of a young and improving big man rotation that includes DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson. Sactown Royalty calculates the overall contract to be around five years and $30.5 million with 7.5% annual max raises.

Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee believes this could be the moment when the Kings could begin making offseason moves.

With Jason Thompson officially signing with the Kings, the front office might be able to might have more freedom to make deals. Thompson's cap number for next season is about $5.25 million, but was more than $7 million when he was still under the RFA designation. That's why Kings would have had to renounce his rights to make a play at another free agent for big money.

The Kings do have a lot of positions they need to figure out. They still have no clear answer at small forward: John Salmons has been adequate but he's far from a long-term solution at the position. As surprising as Isaiah Thomas was in his first season, Sacramento probably wants more point guard depth. There are certain places they can go this offseason to address those needs, and they could very well pursue solutions to both of those problems without having to worry about breaking the bank on either player.

Talk about Thompson with Kings fans over at Sactown Royalty.

Check out the SB Nation NBA YouTube channel and see if you'd be willing to subscribe to the videos.

Sacramento Kings Offseason: Jason Thompson To Sign Contract Extension This Week

The Sacramento Kings had one clear goal this offseason: Re-sign Jason Thompson. That goal appears to be coming true later this week, as a contract extension appears to be on its way for the soon-to-be 26 year old power forward.

Kings restricted free agent Jason Thompson will sign his contract extension with the Kings later this week, either Wed or Thu

— Bryan May (@BMayNews10) July 9, 2012

Thompson had nice performances last year, averaging 9.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 53.5% from the field. Throughout his career, Thompson has averaged 10.5 points, 7.2 assists. and 1.3 assists per game. Thompson is best known for his ability to crash the offensive glass, averaging 2.6 boards on that side of the field.

With Thomas Robinson likely slated to become the future starting power forward, you have to figure the extension would have to be satisfying enough to make Thompson feel like he'd either be the starter or at least see solid enough action off the bench. A frontline of DeMarcus Cousins, Robinson, Chuck Hayes and Thompson should be one of the best young frontlines in all of basketball.

Talk about Thompson with Kings fans by heading on over to Sactown Royalty.

Check out the SB Nation NBA YouTube channel below and see if you'd be willing to subscribe to the videos.

Sacramento Kings Nearing Deal To Re-Sign Jason Thompson, According To Report

The Sacramento Kings have made it a priority to re-sign young power forward Jason Thompson in the offseason, and it appears the two sides are nearing an agreement. Despite drafting Thomas Robinson in the first round of the NBA Draft, Thompson has really improved in recent years and would likely be the sixth or seventh man off the bench.

Along with Robinson, DeMarcus Cousins and Chuck Hayes, Thompson should give the Kings a strong front court for years to come. Seeing as this area was a major weakness just a couple of seasons ago, it's good to see the team addressing their issues.

#NBAKings are close to an agreement on a new contract with PF Jason Thompson according to a source.

— JasonJones (@mr_jasonjones) July 8, 2012

No word as of yet on the dollar figures or length, but most estimates believe it'll be a three- or four-year deal worth an annual salary of $6-8 million. Not a bad payday at all for the former first round pick of 2008.

For more on the Kings, check out Sactown Royalty.

Ryan Anderson Rumors: Free Agent PF Unlikely To Re-Sign With Magic, According To Report

The Sacramento Kings have been eyeing a few talented free agents so far this summer, one of which is swingman Ryan Anderson. And according to a report from Yahoo! Sports' NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Anderson is unlikely to sign with his former team, the Oraland Magic, giving teams like the Kings even more hope in signing him this offseason.

Per Adrian Wojnarwoski on Twitter:

Orlando RFA Ryan Anderson likely won't re-sign with Magic and will be moved in a sign-and-trade, league sources tell Y! Sports.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 8, 2012

What does this mean for the Sacramento Kings? Well, at the moment almost nothing, except that there likely is one less team vying for his services. The Kings need a lot more than a Ryan Anderson to make them a playoff contender once more, but it would be a move in the right direction with their incredibly young squad.

For more on the Kings check out Sactown Royalty.

Sacramento Kings Rumors: Andrei Kirilenko Unlikely To Return To NBA Next Season

The Sacramento Kings were once linked to forward Andrei Kirilenko last offseason, but after some debate he elected to remain in Russia to play his professional ball. There had been some talk of the Kings making a play at Kirilenko once again to try and solidify their roster, but that does not seem to be the case if this report is any indication of where the two sides stand.

Here's the latest from Sactown Royalty.

In a recent interview with Russian website Isvetia, Andrei Kirilenko did not seem to be very committed to coming back to the NBA. He mentioned that it was very possible that he could return to CSKA Moscow, and that he would like to make a decision by August 1st. Kirilenko also says that his agent has not contacted any NBA team. [...]

In another report, Kings swingman Francisco Garcia told Kirilenko that he wants him to come to Sacramento after Russia's Olympic Qualifier win over Cisco's Dominican Republic team. Kirilenko replied "Let's wait until the 11th". Kirilenko does not need to wait until the 11th to make up his mind on whether or not he wants to come back. If he is waiting as part of a strategy to increase his price, the Kings should not be waiting for him.

While the Kings do have a pretty sizable void as far as a legitimate starting small forward goes, they do have quite a bit of money tied up to John Salmons. Kirilenko would likely be an improvement over Salmons, but not so much that Sacramento can just shovel a ton of money his way and expect him to turn the team around.

For even more on the Kings and their free agency plans, check out Sactown Royalty.

Kings Offseason: Isaiah Thomas Not On Summer League Roster As Jimmer Fredette Will Run PG

According to the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones, the Sacramento Kings are having a bit of an issue as to whom will be the point guard on their summer league team. Although nothing has been set in stone yet, it's looking like Jimmer Fredette will get the gig as point guard for the summer, meaning Issiah will have to keep himself busy elsewhere.

Per Jason Jones on Twitter:

Still waiting on Summer League roster to be finalized, but Isaiah Thomas is not on it. It will be the Jimmer Fredette Show at point guard.

— JasonJones (@mr_jasonjones) July 5, 2012

Jones noted that having both of them on the squad would not behoove either one of them (or the summer league team for that matter) but Thomas will be in Las Vegas with the Kings anyway.

Jimmer needs the run at PG. Having Thomas play wouldn't help Jimmer. Most of Kings will be in Vegas for workouts w/ team though.

— JasonJones (@mr_jasonjones) July 5, 2012

Thomas saw time in four more games last season than Fredette (65 compared to 61) averaging about seven minutes more (25.5 compared to 18.6) and about four points more than Fredette as well (11.5 compared to 7.6). Fredette certainly needs the time on the floor more than Thomas, whom the Kings are hoping will bud next season into the electric player he was at BYU.

Thomas and Fredette could provide quite the 1-2 punch at the guard position for the Kings, hopefully this summer leads them in that direction.

The NBA Summer League begins on July 13.

For more on the Sacramento Kings, make sure that you check out Sactown Royalty.

Ryan Anderson Rumors: Sacramento Kings Meeting With Orlando Magic PF

Could the Sacramento Kings make a move to try and land Ryan Anderson?