KINGS "COULD BE CLOSE" TO DEAL TO STAY IN SACRAMENTO

          Talks have resumed between the Kings and Arco, with
     sources on both sides saying they "could be close to a deal"
     to keep the team in Sacramento, according to Bizjak &
     Delsohn in the SACRAMENTO BEE.  Kings Owner Jim Thomas and
     Arco Products Co. President Bill Rusnack "were hopeful" of
     possibly reaching an agreement before a City Council meeting
     tonight on how much Arco should pay for the continued right
     to have its name on the Kings' arena.  Thomas has been
     trying to "squeeze some" $20M out of his Arco Arena, while
     Arco last Thursday offered a "final offer" of $8M over ten
     years.  One source "familiar with the deal" said the two
     sides could come to a longer-term agreement.  Thomas had
     until Saturday to get an additional $20M, although Mayor Joe
     Serna, Jr. said the council would be "willing to consider"
     an extension if he came to the meeting tonight and offered
     evidence he was close to a deal (SACRAMENTO BEE, 2/18).