Team spokesman Troy Hanson said Williams has been given an indefinite leave of absence and returned to Sacramento from a road trip to New Mexico to obtain a lawyer, a step recommended by team officials.

Hanson would not say whether the team planned to suspend Williams.

"We recently became aware of a complaint involving Justin Williams that apparently is being investigated by the Sacramento police," Hanson said. "We are currently in the process of evaluating any additional information that becomes available to us."

Criminal investigators searched Williams' home Wednesday night, leaving with some items that police are evaluating, police Sgt. Matt Young said during a news conference.

Williams, a reserve center, has not been charged and is cooperating with officers, Young said.

"We are literally right in the middle of this investigation. There is a lot to be done," he said. "It's important we don't jump to any conclusions."

He added: "We are not going to rush anything."

Police launched the investigation after a local hospital advised them last Friday that a patient had reported a sexual assault early that morning. Young declined to describe the type of assault or identify the woman except to say she is in her early 20s and was an acquaintance of the Kings player.

Investigators have spoken with Williams by telephone, as well as another person who was in the house at the time the assault allegedly took place. Young declined to identify the third person.

Williams' agent, Byron Irvin, said he was informed of the search but would not disclose details.

The 23-year-old Williams is entering his second season with the Kings. He averaged five points in 26 games with the team last year.