Lakers lose to Sacramento in Dwight Howard’s debut, 99-92
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The Lakers are still winless in exhibition play, with and without Dwight Howard.
Howard had 19 points and 12 rebounds in his first game with the Lakers, a 99-92 loss Sunday to the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center.
The Lakers are the NBA’s only winless team at 0-6, extending their worst start ever in an exhibition season.
Howard was mostly solid, even dominant on some plays, sprinkling in just enough mistakes to remind everybody he had gone 197 days since playing a game.
He blocked four shots but also had five turnovers in 33 minutes. He made eight of 12 shots but only three of eight free throws.
Howard, who had back surgery in April, was acquired by the Lakers from Orlando in August.
With the Lakers down by three points, Kobe Bryant missed a three-point attempt while moving to his right with 11.9 seconds left. Marcus Thornton sealed the victory for the Kings by making two free throws.
Bryant finished with 21 points on six-for-12 shooting.
DeMarcus Cousins had 16 points for Sacramento.
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