A priest, a rabbi and Sonny Belfast walk into Arco Arena...

Truth be told, I've yet to such a figure representing either faith among the crowd. Nor can I confirm or deny whether Lakers Blog mainstay (and Kings rooter) Sonny Belfast is indeed on hand (although if a joyous "Go Testes!" is heard after a Ron Ron bucket, I'm leaning towards "yes.") But one thing is for certain. I'm both in Sacramento and the house for tonight's contest against the Kings.

And the house, she be small.

I'm not just talking about the arena itself, which is certainly about as no-frills as they come. Ain't nearly as shiny (or "sterile," to some) as Staples. Not that it's completely devoid of charm, mind you. It may not be fancy-like (I'm guessing the amenities leave something to be desired when when compared across the league), but when the building is rocking, I imagine it's fun as hell to come knocking. Fans are right on top of the players and action. Almost jarringly close, truth be told. Even folks two sections up are pretty close. Assuming it's a season the Kings are any good (or the Lakers are in town, as I've just been informed this would be a sell out event), the high volume that registers even when watching these guys on TV becomes very easy to understand. Thus, I'm willing to concede Arco as "small, but kinda cool."

The visitor's locker room, however, is just a straight up shoe box with absolutely nothing cool to offer.

The den in my apartment might be is bigger. Seriously. Teammates are practically in eachother's laps. Nothing but cubby holes for players' belongings and a few plastic hangers spaced along a long white bar. It's one thing to refrain from rolling out the red carpet for your guests. It's quite another to offer smaller quarters than the Nazi P.O.W's got in "Victory." But as Ronny Turiaf reminded me with a shrug, "we're here to bust (behind) and go home."

Who says these athletes are all pampered namby pambies? All lies and propaganda.

In the meantime, the pregame wasn't all just about me seeking out elbow room. It was about talking with a rather jocular Phil Jackson. The Zen Master is always good for a laugh or two, but was particularly loose during today's media pow wow. The first question tossed his way was about whether he planned to play Pau Gasol at the four in anticipation of Andrew Bynum's eventual return. His response? "I was thinking of maybe putting Jordan (Farmar) at the center spot and Pau at the power forward," before tacking on a deadpan "no."

The comedy stylings of Phil Jackson, ladies and germs.

From there, Phil talked a little Sacramento Kings before delving into the rarely discussed (especially on this particular site) topic of Kobe's worthiness as MVP. Coaches aren't allowed to vote, much less vote for their own player, but if he had his way, a certain Mamba-esque dude he's coached every year since 2000 (save one season) would be handed some long-deserved hardware. "As a sentimental favorite," I think Kobe's going to have some strong support." As if he cast his ballot for his own guy if the rules allowed it, Jackson let his favoritism slide. "I would always vote for my own player."

Sounds like a lot of people reading this blog.

By the way, if you're a big fan of Matt "Money" Smith, make sure to listen to the radio broadcast. He'll be filling in last minute for Mychal Thompson, who fell ill with the flu. Best wishes to the Bahamas' Favorite Son for a quick recovery.

Download even_more_phil_jackson_pregame.sacto.mp3 (Phil pregame)

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