Without O’Neal, They Haven’t Taken Best Shots

If several shots had dropped, the Lakers wouldn’t be in this December predicament, in danger of losing three in a row for the first time since Phil Jackson fired up the Porsche and tooled in from Montana.

Jackson hasn’t lost three in a row since Michael Jordan’s first retirement. So bothered by it, though, Jackson did not schedule a practice for Saturday. Probably, he was reasonably certain anyone who needed it would be on the practice floor Saturday morning anyway, lining up 18-footers.

The Houston Rockets arrive tonight, emboldened by the return of their leader and best player, Steve Francis. What that means for the Lakers is more danger of dribble penetration, more high pick-and-rolls, and more reason to make a few shots.

Since Shaquille O’Neal decided to rest his aching feet for at least two weeks, the Lakers have scored 88, 90 and 86 points, because they have made 40.0%, 41.1% and 38.4% of their field-goal attempts.

They weren’t shooting particularly well when O’Neal was around either, but at least he was there for the rebounds and the putbacks.

And now that they could use a few falling jumpers, Derek Fisher is eight for 31, Robert Horry is five for 21, Rick Fox is seven for 24, and Lindsey Hunter is four for 16. And Mitch Richmond, the veteran shooter they had to have this summer, didn’t get off the bench in two of the three games.

Kobe Bryant has done a lot of the scoring, especially late, and the assistance he has had has come primarily from the frontcourt. As the temporary starter at center, Samaki Walker has averaged 12.7 points and 10 rebounds. Slava Medvedenko, starting for Walker at power forward, is 14 for 27 from the field.

Fox hasn’t made a three-pointer since Dec. 20, and as he pointed out in good humor Friday night, “But I’m getting closer now. At least I’m not clanking the ball off the rim now. At least it’s spending a few seconds up there. So, that’s right around the corner, I hope.�

It has been a difficult stretch for Fox, whose shooting percentages--on three-pointers and overall field goals--are way off his career numbers.

“I think he’s healthy,� Jackson said. “Mentally, I’m not so sure. Right now he’s not as confident as I’d like to see in his shot. He’s not activating the ball the way I’d like to see him do it, but he’s trying to stay within the framework by which we play.�

It’s not only Fox, and to his credit Friday night he realized what was occurring and went to the basket more than usual.

“This is, obviously, a collective problem,� he said, and laughed. “I’d like to take all the blame myself and maybe loosen up some other people. [But] we don’t have to rely on my shooting to save the day. I don’t want all of us in here to think we’re terrible shooters all of a sudden.�

After becoming convinced the money would go directly to the families of the victims of September’s terrorist attacks, the Lakers recently donated $350,000 to the United Way Sept. 11 Telethon Fund. Executive Vice President Jeanie Buss researched the various funds for nearly two months before sending a letter and check earlier this month. ... Nebraska’s football team, in town for Thursday’s Rose Bowl, attended Friday’s game. Miami is expected at tonight’s game.

TONIGHT

vs. Houston

6:30, Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 20-6, Rockets 9-21.

Record vs. Rockets--2-0.

Update--Both Laker wins were at Houston, the first time in overtime, the second with guard Steve Francis on the injured list. In the latter, Eddie Griffin hurt the Lakers with 25 points. The Rockets lost 15 of 16 games while Francis recovered from the ruptured tissue in his left foot. Francis played 15 minutes in their seven-point win at Golden State on Friday night. He scored 10 points.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.