Kings' Jackson stays positive despite personal tragedies

 Of all the tattoos on Darnell Jackson's body, it's one on his right wrist that speaks to the pain he has endured and his optimism.

It's a simple phrase: "Suicide is not an option."

The Kings forward calls the tattoo his "reminder."

"If I'm out here working out or if I'm sitting in a room or if I'm working out in the weight room, I always just take a glance at my wrist and be like, 'Suicide is not an option,' " Jackson said.

Jackson had the tattoo added after the death of his mother, Shawn Jackson. She took her life in March by overdosing on pain pills following a May 2005 car crash.

Jackson said his life has been filled with tragedy. Friends and family, including his father, have been killed. The car accident caused by a drunken driver that injured his mother claimed the life of his grandmother, Evon.
"I know life is hard, but I could be doing something else right now," Jackson said. "I love doing this. I'm enjoying every minute of it. Every chance I get to shoot, pass or run up and down this court, I get a rush out of this."

Jackson has had more of a chance to get a rush than expected a month ago.

When training camp began, Jackson was far from a lock to make the Kings' roster. He was acquired from Milwaukee for Jon Brockman.

Jackson's deal wasn't guaranteed, making him a strong candidate to be waived.

But two players the Kings are counting on for size in the frontcourt – Samuel Dalembert and Hassan Whiteside – have missed most of training camp because of injuries.

Jackson, 6-foot-9 and 253 pounds, has taken advantage of the opportunity.

"You've got to keep showing up, and good things can happen," said Kings coach Paul Westphal. "You never know when your break is going to come, and you can't figure it out in advance. But if you're not ready, you'll never take advantage of it anyway. That's all you can do."