Thompson a Starter Again for Kings

Jason Thompson promised before the season that he wouldn't stop smiling and working hard.

Thompson pledged to do so even with the prospect that his playing time could be cut with additions to the Kings' frontcourt.

That smile was hard to find Nov. 12 in Phoenix when the third-year forward had "DNP – Coach's Decision" next to his name in the box score.

Thompson was smiling again after that game, but now he has more reason to be happy.

After Carl Landry overslept and missed a morning shootaround, Thompson started Saturday at power forward in place of Landry and played his best game of the season.

Thompson is back in the starting lineup for the third time this season, and likely for some time, when the Kings host the Indiana Pacers tonight.

Thompson played more than 19 minutes for the first time this season and produced season highs of 18 points and nine rebounds against the Chicago Bulls.

"I just tried to put work in knowing that I can only control what I can control," Thompson said. "So I know when my name's called and I'm playing somewhat consistent minutes, hopefully I can play consistent for the team."

Thompson is averaging 15.7 minutes a game. He averaged 31.4 minutes last season. Thompson said he can bring energy to the lineup. And at 6-foot-11, he adds length and rebounding.

"It's only one game," Thompson said. "I think that for you to be good in this league, you've got to be consistent, and if I show that, it should be good."

Thompson was used as a small forward and played sporadically as his name began to surface in trade rumors.

Thompson said basketball president Geoff Petrie and general manager Wayne Cooper have assured him he's still in the Kings' plans.

"Talking to Geoff and Coop the last couple weeks, I know it's not from them," Thompson said. "They said people call about me every other day or so. It's flattering, but you never know with this business. You never know."
The change also moves Landry back to a situation in which he's excelled in his career.

Landry was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate when he was acquired from Houston in the three-team deal that sent Kevin Martin to the Houston Rockets in February.
"I think Carl is somebody who can be one of the best sixth men in the league," Westphal said. "We certainly want to feature him; he's a huge part of what we do."

Landry is the Kings' second-leading scorer at 13.6 points per game.

Landry has spent most of his four seasons in the NBA as a reserve and said he's fine with the change.

"I'm blessed to be here in this league," Landry said. "So me starting, being the No. 1 option, No. 3 option, it doesn't matter."