2000–01 Sacramento Kings season

The 2000–01 NBA season was the Kings' 52nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 16th season in Sacramento. During the off-season, the Kings acquired shooting guard Doug Christie from the Toronto Raptors, and signed free agent Bobby Jackson. After two straight playoff seasons, the Kings enjoyed another successful season by winning 14 of their first 18 games, on their way to a 27–10 start as of January 20, and held a 31–15 record at the All-Star break. The Kings would make it into the NBA's elite status by challenging the Pacific Division all season, falling just one game short with a solid 55–27 record. The team also posted three five-game winning streaks, which was their longest winning streak during the season.

Chris Webber had his best season averaging 27.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, while being named to the All-NBA First Team. In addition, Peja Stojaković showed improvement stepping into the lineup averaging 20.4 points per game, which was second on the team in scoring, while Christie averaged 12.3 points and 2.3 steals per game, Vlade Divac provided the team with 12.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and Jason Williams contributed 9.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. Webber and Divac were both selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, with head coach Rick Adelman coaching the Western Conference. Webber also finished in fourth place in Most Valuable Player voting with 5 first-place votes, while Stojaković finished in second place in Most Improved Player voting, Christie finished in fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and Jackson finished in fourth place in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Christie was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and first round draft pick Hedo Türkoğlu made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

In the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Kings faced the Phoenix Suns. After losing Game 1 to the Suns at home, 86–83, the Kings would win the next three games, and advance to the second round for the first time since moving to Sacramento. However, they were swept by the defending and eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semi-finals in four straight games. The Lakers would reach the NBA Finals to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in five games, winning their second consecutive championship.

Following the season, the controversial guard Williams was traded along with Nick Anderson to the Memphis Grizzlies, while three-point specialist Jon Barry was traded to the Detroit Pistons, and Darrick Martin signed as a free agent with the Dallas Mavericks.