Martin McNeal of the Sacramento Bee writes: The Kings have smacked, whacked, cracked, jacked, overwhelmed and embarrassed the two-time NBA defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

And if anything has been learned by the upstart Kings entering tonight's key Game 5 of the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals at Arco Arena, it's that their job won't be done until they drive the proverbial stake through the Lakers' heart.

Kings coach Rick Adelman said the team likely will play tonight without All-Star small forward Peja Stojakovic, who is attempting to come back from a severely sprained right ankle suffered May 9 in Game 3 of the conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks.

"I think he's doubtful," Adelman said of Stojakovic, who worked out Monday at the team's practice facility although his team did not. "He's doing much better.

"He'll work out (today) in the morning and before the game. I think we have two days between games, and I'd think he'd be possible for Friday."

Adelman said he feared bringing Stojakovic back too quickly and have him misstep, re-injure the ankle and then be lost for Game 6, and 7 if it is necessary.

"I think it's really tender," the coach said of Stojakovic's ankle. "He has not really practiced with us, and he hasn't gone one-on-one."

Note, though, that Adelman did not rule Stojakovic out of tonight's contest.

Meanwhile, many observers wonder how the Kings will bounce back from the devastating 100-99 Game 4 defeat Sunday afternoon in L.A. at the Staples Center.

"We've got a world of confidence," Kings point guard Mike Bibby said. "I think you can see that by the way we've been playing. We've got the little swagger and feel like nobody can (mess) with us.

"And I don't think anybody can."

Bibby's starting backcourt mate, Doug Christie, said the Kings returned from L.A. with more confidence following the split of two games that has the series tied at 2-2.

"We're more confident than ever," Christie said. "All the talking (the Lakers) are doing doesn't mean a thing. It's what goes on on the court that really matters. That where it's done, and we feel good about that."