Kings fans let emotions out, maybe one last time

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The cowbells rang loud and proud again.

For one, perhaps final time, a faithful following once considered among the best in American professional sports came together Wednesday night to cheer their beloved Sacramento Kings in a 116-108 overtime loss to the rival Los Angeles Lakers.

For one night, doom and gloom were trumped by hope and happiness. For one night, the team's possible move to Anaheim was brushed aside to show what made Sacramento so great.

They came with signs that read, "We Love You!" and "Take My Life. But Not My Kings." And the optimism reverberated in the echoes of those trademark cowbells and in the purple-painted faces.

It seems the only thing stopping the Kings from moving is a block by NBA owners. Owners Joe and Gavin are scheduled to make a pitch at the NBA Board of Governors meeting that begins Thursday in New York to move the franchise to Anaheim next season, and no franchise has ever been denied permission to relocate in the 27 years under Commissioner David Stern.