Lakers go the long way for win over Sacramento

There were so many unforgettable events in the short-lived but surprisingly stormy Lakers-Sacramento rivalry.

Robert Horry nailing that three-point shot over Vlade Divac. Kobe Bryant’s bout with food poisoning from that Sacramento hotel.

And who could forget Rick Fox and Doug Christie throwing punches at each other before a game. An exhibition game.

Friday night presented something entirely different from all that early-millennium fun. The team with the Western Conference’s worst record (Lakers) beat the team with the West’s second-worst record (Sacramento), 126-122.

BOX SCORE: Lakers 126, Sacramento Kings 122

Where have you gone, Peja Stojokavic?

Someone had to win this thing, even if neither team didn’t really mind losing because the draft lottery was right around the corner, 81 days and counting.

But the Lakers emerged with the victory Friday at Staples Center, overcoming a ludicrous first half in which they gave up 65 points and seemingly were on the way to losing to a team without its leading scorer and rebounder, DeMarcus Cousins.

It was actually an entertaining game, though you’d see better defense in an All-Star game.

The Lakers made a sublime 19 of 27 from three-point range (70.4%), led by Jordan Farmar making eight of 10 behind the arc. Their 19 three-pointers tied the team record set in 2006 against Washington in overtime. And they became only the second team since 1985-86 to shoot better than 70% on threes while attempting at least 25 (Atlanta, also 19 of 27, in 1996).

“That’s pretty crazy,” Farmar said of the team’s shooting. “That’s a good feeling. Throughout all the adversity, all the injuries, all the new guys coming in and out, we’re trying to find something to finish the season strong.”

It also brought up a good point involving Farmar, who gave up millions annually playing in Turkey to sign a one-year deal with the Lakers for $1.1 million.

With Kendall Marshall no longer able to score, the Lakers face the equivalent of a quarterback controversy.

Marshall was scoreless a third consecutive game, missing the only two shots he took, though he did hand out 10 assists.

Farmar had 30 points and added seven assists in 29 minutes. Looks like his hamstring issues have finally ended after costing him a total of 29 games.

Of any point guard controversy, Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni said, smiling. “We’ve got a win-loss controversy. We’ll watch the game for three quarters and whoever’s playing better finishes the game.”

The Lakers’ next game is Monday in Portland, which features All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. They might want to make a change sooner than later.

Elsewhere, MarShon Brooks outplayed Kent Bazemore for the first time since they arrived from Golden State last week for veteran guard Steve Blake.

Brooks had 23 points while Bazemore had a relatively quiet 12. Brooks shot well, like almost all of his teammates, making nine of 13 shots, including a hang-in-the-air reverse layup to give the Lakers a 124-118 lead with 2:19 left.

Not to be omitted, Jodie Meeks had 22 points on eight-for-eight shooting. Wilt Chamberlain once made 14 of 14 shots in a 1969 game, still considered the most accurate game in Lakers history.

The Kings had won three of their last five games, considered a great run for them, but it ended Friday despite 32 points from Rudy Gay.

The Lakers finally won, improving to 7-26 since a few days before Christmas.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com

Twitter: @Mike_Bresnahan