After an adventurous day of trying to capture my dad taking off on his second to last flight on the MD80 (one more flight to fly back home) headed over to Power Balance Pavilion for the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.

Though it really wasn't THE Los Angeles Lakers. Obviously Ron Artest, excuse me, Metta World Peace, not present due to his suspension. But Kobe Bryan also didn't suit up... Well I guess he did suit up, but in a different, rather snappy, suit.

Andrew Bynum, Matt Barnes and Pau Gasol also didn't get on the court.

Despite not playing, I think half the crowd was there to see Kobe. Just about every person who was within hearing range was calling out "Kobe!!!" during various moments of the game. One woman was even escorted out as she tried to get close to him "Kobe!! Kobe!! Kobe!!" and he ever so cooly, gave a little wave and put his focus back on the game.

Though Lakers exposed where their bench lacks depth, they didn't really need a win as they are already set for the playoffs, and it was nice to rest the guys they will certainly be needing.

So the story of the game for me wasn't so much the action, but more so following the corporate drama as three Maloof brothers, including George Maloof, were sitting court side... as were Mayor Kevin Johnson and his wife Michelle Rhee.

I hear the Maloofs are back in talks with the KJ and the plans for a new arena. They certainly looked like a group of guys who weren't bracing themselves to be hated by a community of fans.

Though I think that George Maloof might only own a basketball team so that he can sit court side and enjoy free popcorn, soda and red ropes ;-)

All in all Kings came up with a 113-96 win for their final game of the season and my final game of shooting basketball this season. Though previously my basketball seasons used to end mid March with the college season, I gotta say, I have loved this extra month shooting NBA, getting to know new arenas, new people, and photographing some exciting games. I hope you guys following along have enjoyed my lil blogs and I hope to be back on the court next year! 

Full set: http://kelleylcox.com/action/basketball/nba/20120426lakersatkings