"On the surface, the Kings' two cornerstone players couldn't be more different.

Second-year guard Tyreke Evans is about as demonstrative as a librarian during study hall, and rookie center DeMarcus Cousins doesn't hide his myriad emotions very well.

That's why the days leading up to tonight's Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam have been entertaining. Evans and Cousins were selected to play, though Evans will miss the game because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Surprisingly, it hasn't been Cousins initiating the verbal jabs.

Evans said he hoped Cousins didn't pick up any technical fouls tonight (Cousins leads the team with seven). Evans also pointed out that Los Angeles Clippers rookie Blake Griffin can jump "50 inches," while Cousins can get "two inches" off the court.

"Reke!" Cousins yelled when Evans' comic bit was relayed to him. "You been talking crazy about the rookie-sophomore game."

Evans didn't flinch in response.

"Yeah," Evans said. "Been talking about how I'm going to bust your (butt)."

Countered Cousins, "It's not like Tyreke's a high flier himself."

The exchange showed what Cousins and Evans would tell you – they are more alike than most realize. Both are fiercely competitive.

Even though Evans won't play tonight, he's in Los Angeles to support Cousins and visit foot specialist Dr. Richard Ferkel.

While their on-court chemistry is still developing, Cousins and Evans have known each other for years. They faced each other on the summer high school basketball circuit, and they were roommates in Portland, Ore., for the U.S.A. Basketball Nike Hoop Summit in 2009."