Dwight Howard scored 19 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked four shots in his Lakers debut Sunday, but could not prevent Los Angeles from dropping to 0-6 in the preseason. Howard sat out the team's first five preseason games for precautionary reasons related to his surgically repaired back.
"I was a little rusty. It's a matter of just getting my timing back, and at the defensive end, just being there for my teammates," Howard said afterward.
The Lakers lost to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, 99-92. Aided by Howard's efforts, Los Angeles built an 11-point halftime lead before faltering over the final 24 minutes. The Kings outscored the Lakers, 28-15, in the third quarter, which turned the game around. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers in scoring with 21, while Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace also scored in double figures.
Los Angeles wraps up its preseason schedule this week with games against the Clippers and Kings.
