Wright Finding Next Level

On Dec. 14, Lorenzen Wright was averaging 8.6 points and 6.1 rebounds, but a lot has happened since.

In the ensuing eight games, he has taken 126 rebounds--an average of 15.8--including a career-high 22 at Minnesota. He has scored 125 points, including a career-high 32 against the Lakers, without having many plays run for him.

He has grasped what might be called the Dennis Rodman Rule, which says if you chase every rebound, you may snare a large number. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a $100-million player somewhere or the Clippers will begin winning more often than three times a month.

“That’s what I like about Lorenzen,� says Coach Bill Fitch, who doesn’t scatter compliments casually. “He’s the hardest-working guy I’ve got and he thinks ‘team’ more than anybody on my basketball team.

“I think he’s got an understanding that we need rebounding and it’s an area that we were not doing well and it was an area he could contribute. I think he’s put more emphasis and he’s getting more fun out of it . . .

“He’s always gotten his share. That was the thing that got him in the lineup last year. Here’s a guy who could go in and get more than any of the so-called centers that we had.�