After spending the past week researching Sacramento's viability as a home for the Kings, the NBA began turning its attention to Anaheim this morning.
Members of the league's relocation committee spoke with Anaheim Arena Management, officials told The Bee's Dale Kasler. The Orange County Register reported the Maloofs, who own the Kings, were expected to take part in the conversation as well.
A team of NBA staffers, led by the league's top marketing official, are still in Sacramento looking at $10 million in corporate pledges made to the Kings for next season - if there is a next season. The Maloofs have until Monday to seek relocation.
Meanwhile, NBA Commissioner David Stern told sports radio host Dan Patrick this morning that he was scheduled to get an update from the relocation committee this morning.
Stern didn't provide a lot of specifics on the Kings' situation, but repeated his belief - although not strongly - that Southern California could probably support a third NBA franchise.
"It's a tough one," he said. "I think at the end of the day you could probably find support for an NBA team."
The commissioner said the relocation committee would analyze whether Southern California can support another franchise - in addition to he Lakers and Clippers - and recommend what relocation fee the Kings would need to pay to leave for Anaheim.
Stern added that the ongoing Kings drama comes during "uncertain times" for the league, as it wrangles with a new collective bargaining agreement and possible revenue sharing aimed to helping small-market franchises.
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