FINAL
Kings 99, Lakers 92
LOS ANGELES - The Kings (4-1) held off the Lakers (0-6), who tried to rally with their starting lineup.
The Kings didn't go back to regulars like Tyreke Evans late, but kept DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Thornton, Aaron Brooks, Francisco Garcia and Jason Thompson on the floor late against the Lakers.
Cousins and Brooks each had 16 points to lead the Lakers. Thornton added 15 points.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 21 points. Dwight Howard had 19 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.
THIRD QUARTER
Kings 74, Lakers 72
LOS ANGELES - The Kings are putting up a good effort against the Lakers' regulars and outscored the Lakers 28-15 in the third quarter.
The Lakers shot 29.4 (5 of 17) while the Kings hot 11 of 22. DeMarcus Couins scored six of his 10 points in the third quarter. Jimmer Fredette and Marcus Thornton each had five points in the third.
Aaron Brooks and Tyreke Evans each have 12 points to lead the Kings.
Kobe Bryant has a game-high 19 points for the Lakers. Dwight Howard has 15 points and eight rebounds.
HALFTIME
Lakers 57, Kings 46
LOS ANGELES - The Kings shot poorly in the second quarter (6 of 23) while the Lakers remained hot in the first half (20 for 33). That pretty much sums up the game.
The Kings took better care of the ball with only two turnovers in the second quarter after five in the first. But Aaron Brooks (12 points) is the only King making a significant impact scoring.
Kobe Bryant has a game-high 13 points for the Lakers. Dwight Howard has 11 points and six rebounds.
FIRST QUARTER
Lakers 29, Kings 28
LOS ANGELES - The Kings don't look as crisp with their execution. They already have five turnovers and there have been a few obvious breakdowns on defense.
The Lakers made 9 of 15 shots in the quarter. The Kings weren't bad at 11 of 22, but the Kings ere called for nine fouls and the Lakers shot 13 free throws while the Kings attempted three.
Tyreke Evans had five points, two rebounds and two assists for the Kings. But he also had two turnovers.
The Kings are the first team to see the Lakers with Dwight Howard in the lineup. Howard had four points and two rebounds in eight minutes.
Howard had back surgery at the end of last season and had not played in the preseason yet. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with seven points.
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