Source: Sacramento Bee

Thomas Robinson is a rookie, but he doesn't have to be a veteran to realize it's what matters from now on that counts.

So when asked about what could be gained from beating the Los Angeles Lakers, a championship contender, three times in exhibition play, Robinson answered like an old pro.

"Nothing," Robinson said. "It's preseason."

The Kings have reason to like the progress that was made during the preseason. Sacramento finished 5-2, the most preseason wins since 2006.

The exhibition wins have been important in building confidence and trust on and off the court. But there is no trophy for beating the Lakers three times in preseason.

"Preseason is always going to be preseason, but we have a long ways to go if we want to make these playoffs," said forward James Johnson. "I've been on a playoff team before. We're not far away, but as long as we keep buying in and sticking to our principles, we're going to be fine."

Opponents shot 44 percent against the Kings in the preseason, a mark that would be nice if it carried over into the regular season.

It would be a big improvement over the 47.6 percent that opponents shot last season, the worst in the NBA.

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