The Kings, as far as NBA teams go, are infants.

Every day is a new experience. Each game is an opportunity to learn. 

Handling success, even on a moderate level, can be as important or moreso than dealing with defeat.

Common sense suggests there's no better place of NBA learning than against the world champion Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. That's where the Kings will spend New Year's night before returning to Arco Arena Saturday to face the Dallas Mavericks. Both opponents are far more experienced than the Kings.

The Kings (14-17) know how they must play to be successful: approaching every play as if it's the last.

Sacramento will not be able to rely on a talent advantage for victory. The Kings have to play with fire, intensity and togetherness, particularly at the defensive end.

Sacramento is also learning what life is like without rookie point guard Tyreke Evans. He's listed as doubtful for Friday's game with the sprained right ankle that has forced him to miss the past two games. Evans' ability and determination at each end of the floor have truly been missed.

Moreover, the rookie's 20 points, five rebounds and five assists are difficult to replace. In two months, Evans has become an integral piece of the Kings revival.

That should be even more apparent following Wednesday's 116-106 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Knowing what to do and doing it daily are different mechanisms.

Much of Sacramento's growth now will come on the mental side. It will show in its preparation and respect for its opponents.

The Kings should realize the Sixers spanked them like babies with aggression, athleticism and confidence. The mere mention of overlooking the Sixers suggests an immaturity that will have to be managed.

"I don't think we should allow ourselves to ever overlook any teams," guard Beno Udrih said. "If you look only one year ago. ... we only won 17 games. We just have to come every day, no matter what. ... play hard, especially on defense and the offense will come to us."

However, there will be games when the offense doesn't come and those are the games in which the Kings have to outwork their opponent. That didn't happen with Philadelphia.

When Sacramento takes the court Friday against the Lakers, it'll face the NBA's most confident player, Kobe Bryant. He won't care about the  broken index finger on his right (shooting) hand. Bryant will be ready to show the Kings they had their chance for victory last week. That's how he is and what he does.

The Kings no longer sneak up on opponents, so Sacramento must become proficient in execution. If not, they'll execute themselves.