Chris Kaman delivers strong performance after finally getting minutes

Back spasms sidelined Chris Kaman for a stretch in late November but when he improved, Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni left the veteran center out of the rotation.

On Friday night, Kaman played his first significant minutes in a month, contributing to a 104-91 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“It’s tough, because [I] haven’t played in a while, a little rusty Everything went pretty fast for me,� Kaman said after the game. “I had a hard time coming back, trying to slow things down.�

The veteran center finished with six points and three rebounds in 16½ minutes, helping the Lakers counter Wolves big men Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic.

Kaman even made the defensive play of the game, stopping a three-on-one break by blocking Corey Brewer’s dunk attempt at the basket. Kaman was able to tap the ball to a teammate, which led to a Wesley Johnson slam in transition.

“I didn’t want to give up the layup,� said Kaman. “So I went after it.�

It’s unclear if Kaman will be a regular part of D’Antoni’s rotation, but Friday was a positive step forward.

“I think Rob [Sacre] has done a good job so far this year,� said Kaman. “Obviously Pau [Gasol] as of late has been playing really well. Shawne [Williams] does a good job stretching the floor, rebounding and guarding the mismatches and tough matchups.

“Jordan Hill has been playing really well,� he said. “It’s tough to find minutes for everybody.�

Kaman signed with the Lakers as a free agent in July. He expected a bigger role.

Through 14 appearances, Kaman is averaging 8.1 points a game on 50% shooting from the field.

ALSO:

When will the Lakers get their point guards back?

Lakers pull out a victory over the Timberwolves, 104-91

Kobe-less Lakers ‘excited’ about proving people wrong, D’Antoni says

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.