Howard helps Lakers beat Kings

Dwight Howard had 23 points and 18 rebounds, Kobe Bryant scored 20 and the in-transition Los Angeles Lakers continued warming up for a possible return by Phil Jackson with a 103-89 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. Lame-duck interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff called the shots for the second straight game following the firing of Mike Brown on Friday with the team off to a 1-4 start -- their worst in 19 years. They throttled Golden State 101-77 at Staples Center several hours after the change. Jason Thompson had 15 points and 10 assists for Sacramento before fouling out with 9:46 left in the game. Jimmer Fredette scored a team-high 18 points, most coming after the outcome was long decided.