Mayor Johnson: Tough Road To Keep Kings
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Mayor Kevin Johnson is trying to stay positive about the possibility of the Sacramento Kings moving to Anaheim, but acknowledged Tuesday that the city may not be able to convince the team's owners to stay.
Johnson briefly spoke with the three Maloof brothers at Monday's sold-out game versus the Los Angeles Clippers, joking with them about chants from the fans, but the conversation didn't end with a commitment for a meeting.
The Maloofs postponed a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, and Johnson said he hopes to meet with them later this week.
In a Tuesday press conference, Mayor Johnson said he still plans to put up a fight to keep the Kings in the California Capitol, but that option now appears to be a backup plan if a deal with Anaheim falls through.
"If they don't get a deal, then they'll be here in Sac," Johnson said. "We as a city can't control that outcome."
Johnson hinted he's working on a plan that could bring another sports team to the region if the Kings do leave.
"We're not gonna be caught lying down," he said. "I think Sacramento deserves a team. If the team we brought to the dance doesn't want to dance with us, which I think they should, then we have to look at our options."
Johnson didn't offer an answer when asked about contact with other sports teams.
