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Salmons, Kings hold off Lakers in preseason contest

Oct 18, 2006 - 5:29 AM LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Ticker) -- John Salmons looks to be a valuable free agent signing by the Sacramento Kings.

Salmons put the Kings ahead for good with a three-point play and Mike Bibby scored 16 points as Sacramento posted a 96-91 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Last season, Salmons averaged only 7.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the Kings, expecting him to be an emerging talent, signed him to a five-year, $25.5 million contract in the offseason.

On Tuesday, the 26-year-old Salmons proved he can score down the stretch. With 2:38 remaining in the fourth quarter, the 6-7 swingman converted a conventional three-point play to snap an 89-89 tie.

Salmons had 10 points, three rebounds and one assist in 21 minutes.

Bibby shot 5-of-10 with six rebounds and three assists. Kevin Martin added 14 points for the Kings, who shot 40 percent (29-of-72).

Ronny Turiaf netted 15 points for the Lakers, who played without injured starters Kobe Bryant (knee), Kwame Brown (shoulder) and Chris Mihm (ankle surgery).