Leading Off

Most of the recent Kings news has been about "whales," arenas and losing, but there is one thing the Kings can win this season – the top spot in the NBA draft – when the lottery balls drop on May 21.

The Giants' long-term prospects at shortstop and first base could be bright.

The Kings have lost five games in a row and eight consecutive on the road after Sunday's 110-95 drubbing by the Hornets in New Orleans. During the five-game streak, the Kings have given up an average of 114.2 points.

The Kings are one of the worst teams in the NBA's Western Conference, with a 19-37 record and no chance of making the playoffs again.

When NASCAR's popularity hit the skids, its leaders decided to reinvent the brand. No more just going around in circles; they needed breakout personalities who could attract a younger, more diverse audience.

Fellas, don't be surprised to find the women of the house commandeering the man cave this weekend – remote control, Barcalounger and all.

Before delivering the shove that sent shock waves throughout the NCAA, Cal men's basketball coach Mike Montgomery had a national reputation as a gentleman of the game.

Jerry Buss wasn't the primary reason for the NBA's evolution in economics and entertainment, but he rode shotgun on that express.

The 49ers' biggest decision in the offseason won't involve the April draft or possible free-agent signings.

Unless you were drifting on a dark and stinky cruise ship for days in the Gulf of Mexico, you've probably heard today is Michael Jordan's 50th birthday.

Thursday was expected to be a great night to watch the NBA – must-see TV, if you will – but it turned into more of a dud for those hoping for tight games.

When Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said he's reached out to plenty of big names regarding the complex and chaotic situation with the Kings, he wasn't kidding.

An estimated 40,000 fans packed AT&T Park on Saturday for the Giants' annual FanFest to get a look at and hear from the world champions before they headed to Arizona for spring training.

Sacramento State's men's basketball team is not a great outfit. But the Hornets are an interesting bunch.

Before construction is complete at the 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara, the architects may want to re-check the blueprint.

In the 12 seasons Kevin Johnson played in the NBA – all but 52 games with the Phoenix Suns – the former Sacramento High star said he always enjoyed returning to his hometown to play against the Kings.

As an expected change in Kings ownership – and a possible move to Seattle – approaches, it seems the love affair this city once had with the team is fading.

National signing day is a major milestone for top high school football players. It's quite a feat to land an athletic scholarship, and players want to share the honor with their high schools, family, classmates and friends with a signing ceremony.

Just catching our breath from the Super Bowl and here comes spring training. A's pitchers and catchers report Monday; Giants pitchers and catchers report Tuesday. By the following weekend, both teams will begin full workouts, and both will play their first spring games Feb. 23.

Again, DeMarcus Cousins? Really?

The nearly 50 percent of households in the United States that watched Sunday's Super Bowl will remember more than just the 49ers losing 34-31 to the Ravens.

Now that the Super Bowl party is over and all that's left are the veggie sticks, what is there to look forward to? We certainly have our choices:

Picking a side today not a difficult decision

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. lives part time on a 3,000-acre ranch in Montana raising Clydesdales – when he's not back in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio or running the family business, DeBartolo Holdings LLC, out of Tampa, Fla.

Tony Lopez can still move his feet, duck and jab, only it plays out in slow motion.