(Sports Network) - The top two teams in the Pacific Division, the Lakers and Kings, will renew their rivalry tonight from ARCO Arena.
The two-time defending NBA champion Lakers improved to 4-0 on the season with last night's 124-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, as Kobe Bryant led six players in double figures with 23 points. Pau Gasol outworked his brother, Marc, with 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who are off to their best start since opening the 2008-09 campaign with seven consecutive victories.
"It's always fun to play against my former team and my brother," Pau Gasol said. "I'm glad we got the win. Our intensity is great, and we're making progress."
Lamar Odom had 17 points, eight boards and six assists, while Matt Barnes chipped in 16 points and a game-high 14 boards and Shannon Brown 13 points. Steve Blake rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.
The Lakers shot 51.2 percent and finished with a 59-36 rebounding edge.
Sacramento opened the 2010-11 campaign by winning two of its first three road games and returned to California's capital for Monday's 111-108 triumph over the Toronto Raptors in the opener of a four-game residency.
Reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans had 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Beno Udrih contributed 17 points. Rookie DeMarcus Cousins had 16 points in less than 18 minutes of play.
"We got a will to win when it's crunch time. But we need to come out with better energy," Cousins said.
The Kings were outscored, 33-16, in the first quarter. They will also host Memphis and Minnesota on the residency and haven't won four of the first five games since the 2001-02 season.
Los Angeles swept the four-game series with Sacramento a year ago and has won the last six meetings between the teams. The Lakers have won three straight and seven of eight trips to ARCO Arena.
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