Leading Off

If Keith Smart looks a bit uncomfortable representing the Kings at today's NBA draft lottery in New York, it's understandable.

If you believe Oswald was the only triggerman in Dallas in 1963, or you think it's only a myth that UFOs and aliens are being studied somewhere near Roswell, N.M., you also probably believe the NBA lottery has never been rigged.

Has Ryan Vogelsong reached the end? Giants fans hope not. They love a feel-good story, and Vogelsong's odyssey qualifies.

The day the NBA brass rejected the Kings' move to Seattle – D-Day in Dallas – also was the 13th anniversary of the River Cats' first game at Raley Field.

Todd Dingley, 63, attended the first Kings game in Sacramento on Oct. 25, 1985, at the tilt-up of an arena on North Market Street with 10,332 other fans.

It's been awhile since the big-screen TV was turned onto a golf tournament on a Sunday afternoon – and at the same time the Warriors and Spurs headed into overtime in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal.

Now we know why Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson didn't want us spiking the ball in the end zone last month.

If NBA Commissioner David Stern does save the Kings for Sacramento, what's next – the top spot when the lottery balls are drawn May 21 for next month's draft?

Tedy Bruschi never resists reminding his old friend Lance Briggs where they were ranked among the region's top football players of all time.

Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval is a special player. His .304 lifetime average, two All-Star selections and momentum-creating 2012 World Series performance testify to his eminence.

Maybe it's time to go to the mattresses with the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer group from Seattle, who refuse to give up their fight to buy the Kings from the Maloofs.

While the fate of the Kings remains in limbo, here are 10 questions for which we still have no answers – and little or no information:

Dear Joe: Since you haven't returned my recent texts, I figured I might be able to reach you and Gavin in a public letter.

Jason Collins' announcement that he is gay drew applause from sports folks around the world, including longtime basketball veterans Jerry Reynolds and Jim Les.

The promotion by the Cincinnati Reds of Donald Lutz, who grew up in his mom's native Germany, gives that country its first-ever modern major-leaguer.

No question, it took tremendous courage and character for Jason Collins on Monday to reveal that he is the first "active" gay professional male athlete.

Jokes and old stories were passed around like after-dinner cake at the 59th annual LaSalle Baseball Hall of Fame induction banquet Saturday night at Christian Brothers High School.

Mark Jackson sugarcoats nothing, but the Warriors' coach is a bit premature with his latest boast.

Kings fans longing for a winning team need only look 80 miles to the southwest for an example of what new owners could mean.

The 49ers and Raiders both have had drafts they'd like to do over. Both also have gotten it right, though recently the Raiders have drafted about as poorly as can be imagined.

Dropping the F-bomb on national television usually trips the alarm system and causes red lights to flash at the Federal Communications Commission.

During Friday's developments in the ongoing Kings sale saga, one thing became obvious: NBA Commissioner David Stern and the team's owners don't see eye-to-eye, but have they ever?

Earlier this week, The Bee's Joe Davidson and longtime Kings broadcasters Gary Gerould, Jerry Reynolds and Grant Napear were nearly in agreement in selecting an all-time starting lineup from the Kings' 28 seasons in Sacramento.

The Kings are still global. The proof is palpable.

Vlade Divac said this week from Belgrade that he fields daily questions about his career with the Kings and whether the team will stay in Sacramento.