Divac Is Aware Experience Counts

In the 11 seasons Sacramento center Vlade Divac has played in the NBA, only once did he miss the playoffs. But after making it to the league finals in 1990-91, his second season with the Lakers, Divac has not come close to playing for the title again.

Divac is hoping the Kings will mature as a team and make a serious championship run after forcing the Lakers and Jazz to go five games in each of the last two postseasons.

“We’re a very young team and experience is very important for us. Last year we learned something and we knew we were not quite there yet,” Divac said. “This year, we really played consistent and, hopefully, that experience will help us down the line.”

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Sacramento assistant Pete Carril, who suffered a mild heart attack last week, did not make the trip to Los Angeles but was there in spirit, according to Troy Hanson, the Kings’ director of media relations.

“He’s at home resting, watching the game,” Hanson said of the 69-year-old Carril.

Hanson said Carril has began cardiac rehabilitation and is fortunate that team trainer Pete Youngman was at the team’s practice last Saturday.

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Based on the 12 fans who greeted Sacramento’s bus as it pulled up to Staples Center before Game 5, it didn’t look as if the Kings would have much support during the game.

But that did not stop the Vaccarezzas or Murdacas, two families that made the trip south, from being as vocal as they wanted to be.

“I think this is really cool for my dad and uncle to get the tickets for me and our family,” said Rudy Vaccarezza, 12, who proudly wore his Sacramento jersey. “I’m really glad to be here because I love the Kings.”

King officials estimated 500 fans traveled to Los Angeles for Friday’s game.