Winless Nets could match NBA record

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- All that stands between the New Jersey Nets and an NBA record for futility to start the season is the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers.

The Nets dropped their 16th straight game to open the season, moving within one of matching the worst start in NBA history with a 109-96 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.

After losing to the team that had the worst record in the NBA a season ago, the Nets need to beat the Lakers today at Staples Center to avoid matching the record for futility held by the expansion Miami Heat (1988-89) and the Los Angeles Clippers (1999). The potential record-setter would come at home against Dallas on Wednesday.

"It doesn't matter who we have from here on out," guard Devin Harris said. "We have to come out with the same type of intensity we had in the second half no matter if it's the Lakers or the Knicks. We have to treat everybody the same and come out with a decent effort. Yeah they're the defending champions, but they can be beat."

Against Sacramento, the Nets fell behind by 22 points in the second quarter. The Kings shot 59 percent in the first half, getting to the basket with ease and outrebounding New Jersey 26-8 at one point in the second quarter.