Read More: Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings

A few days after struggling in a loss against the Golden State Warriors, the Chicago Bulls are looking much better against a different California team. Even after a little run at the end of the period, the Bulls are holding a 30-24 lead over the Sacramento Kings after one quarter on Thursday night.

Chicago actually led 30-15 at one point, but the Kings went on a 9-0 run to end the period. The Bulls were dominant on defense initially, limiting the Kings to one make on their first 13 shot attempts, but Sacramento has shot 7-for-8 since that point. Some sloppiness has been an issue for Chicago so far, as the Bulls have turned the ball over five times and committed six fouls already.

For updates on the matchup, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blog a Bull and Sactown Royalty. And for more news and notes from around the NBA, head over to SB Nation’s NBA news hub.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Paul Westphal glanced around the Sacramento Kings practice facility on the first day of training camp, smiling with his eyes wide open in awe of his surroundings.

Westphal said it was great to be back.

He was referring to the NBA lockout being lifted and the season starting. Of course, the coach’s words also might describe the past and present situation of the franchise.

On the verge of moving to Anaheim last summer for a fancier arena, the Kings are back in California’s capital city — for now — and ready for one of the most important seasons in team history.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Sacramento Kings may just have lined up some good post defense.

The Kings have made a four year, $20 million offer to the free agent forward who played his entire career for the Rockets, reports Marc Stein of ESPN. What’s more, it looks like Hayes will take the deal.

The Kings will have a pretty crowded front court, with DeMarcus Cousins (more of a four/five), J.J. Hickson and Jason Thompson, but Hayes brings far more consistent play and better defense than any of the other guys. Hayes is a good rebounder, a good passer and a fairly efficient shooter who gave the Rockets 7.9 points and 8.1 rebounds a game last season. But really, you want him for his defense.

Hayes grew up in Modesto, a town in California’s farming community not that far from Sacramento.

There is still time for another team to best that offer, but not by much if at all. And it might not be worth it if Hayes wants to return to his roots.