The 2002–03 NBA season was the Kings' 54th season in the National Basketball Association, and 18th season in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off their controversial Western Conference Finals defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, who won the series in seven games. During the off-season, the Kings signed free agent Keon Clark, and later on in December signed Jim Jackson. Throughout the season, none of the Kings' players played a full season via suspension or injury, but they still managed to hold a successful 34–17 record at the All-Star break, and post a 59–23 record, two games less than their previous output in which they went 61–21, thus repeating as Pacific Division Champions once again.