Thornton lifts Kings over Lakers

Sacramento, CA – Marcus Thornton scored 12 of his 27 points 91 victory over the Lakers in their season opener.

Tyreke Evans added 20 points for the Kings, who went 24-58 last season but showed some promise after the All-Star break, going 11-18.

Second-year center DeMarcus Cousins finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds in Monday's victory, the Kings' second win against the Lakers in their last 11 meetings.

Los Angeles had lost to Chicago by one point on Sunday, and fell to 0-2 after a poor shooting night. The Lakers made only one of their 16 three-point attempts, and shot 42 percent overall.

Kobe Bryant had 29 points (on 10-of-24 shooting) to lead LA.