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NBA extends deadline for Sacramento Kings relocation application until May 2

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NBA Commissioner David Stern reported Friday that the league has decided to extend until May 2 the deadline for the Sacramento Kings to produce an application to relocate to Anaheim.

Stern said the NBA Board of Governors’ relocation committee, headed by Oklahoma City owner Clay Bennett, will explore claims by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson that he’s mobilized millions of dollars in community support to sponsor the team and purchase season tickets.

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Stern said the committee also needs the extra time to research its “incomplete” understanding of the “complex” points involved in Anaheim’s package to bring the Kings to the Honda Center.

Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof originally faced a Monday deadline to turn in their relocation application to the league. Stern said the Maloofs and key board members Glen Taylor of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bennett agreed it was best to delay that deadline.

The commissioner said the decision does not mean that the Kings will be “forced to stay in Sacramento” next season “at all,” even as the league proceeds toward a likely summer labor crisis.

“It’s a timeout; this is difficult, let’s understand it,” Stern said at a New York news conference after the Board of Governors met for 11 1/2 hours Thursday and again through Friday morning.

We’ll have more later at latimes.com/sports.

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-- Lance Pugmire

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