Playoffs-bound Kings hammer listless Lakers

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2005

SACRAMENTO, United States (AFP) — The Sacramento Kings, already headed for the National Basketball Association playoffs, hammered the already eliminated Los Angeles Lakers 124-105.

Kenny Thomas scored 14 of his career-high 32 points in the Kings' 43-point third quarter, and grabbed 14 rebounds as the Kings cruised past the listless Lakers.

Mike Bibby added 11 of his 24 points in the third-quarter blitz for the Kings, who shot 70 percent (16-of-23) in the period to open a 99-81 cushion.

The Kings (48-30) had seven players score in double figures and shot 52 percent (50-of-97) overall en route to opening a 1 1/2-game lead over Houston for fifth place in the Western Conference with four games remaining.

The Lakers, who will miss the playoffs for the...