The Kings are laced with talent and, much like those Portland squads, lack the furious focus essential to winning titles.

Take last Sunday's game against the Lakers.

The Kings had plenty going for them ? the Arco frenzy, hefty leads, a power forward surely capable of dominating his counterpart, be it Samaki Walker or Robert Horry, and Shaquille O'Neal fouling out in the final minutes.

Result: Kobe Bryant leads the purple and gold to victory.

What happened? The Kings failed to exhibit a focused offense, a funneling of the ball into the sure hands of a take-over guy.

A Tim Duncan kind of guy.