Sacramento Kings make pitch for move to Anaheim
Anaheim's effort to bring a third NBA team to Southern California reached its latest peak Thursday, as the Sacramento Kings' owners explained their interest in making Honda Center their new home and the city's mayor expressed his enthusiasm to Commissioner David Stern in New York.
Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof were joined by siblings George and Phil in making a 90-minute proposal to the NBA's Board of Governors' relocation committee about the benefits of a new home in Orange County.
A Kings' spokesman declined to characterize the league's reception of the Maloofs' proposal, which comes amid opposition by the Lakers and Clippers and uncertainty about a looming summer labor battle.
The Kings' official application for relocation to Anaheim has not been filed but probably will be before the NBA's Monday deadline.
In preparation for a team expected to be known as the Royals, Anaheim has approved $75 million in bonds backed by companies of Henry Samueli, the Honda Center operator and NHL Ducks owner, for NBA relocation fees and arena improvements.