Mihm’s Game Stalls on the Road

BOSTON â€”  Most players fare better in front of home crowds. Chris Mihm definitely does.

Laker officials are pleasantly surprised overall by Mihm’s play this season, but his inconsistency in road games is becoming more and more noticeable.

At Staples Center, Mihm averages 12.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and two blocked shots. Away from home, he averages 7.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots.

Mihm had six points and six rebounds Wednesday in the Lakers’ 104-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. He finished the Lakers’ three-game trip with a total of 16 points and 15 rebounds.

“He has a history of playing better at home than on the road, certainly this season,� Coach Frank Hamblen said. “It’s been kind of a pattern. I think that’s something where we’re looking for him to be more consistent. He certainly is too. We also want to make sure our guys get him more involved too.�

Mihm, who has started 55 games this season after starting 34 the last two seasons combined, has had problems avoiding foul trouble away from home, one of the reasons he gives for his difference in play.

“We tend to play more comfortable, more relaxed, more team-oriented back at home,� Mihm said. “It seems like we run more [isolation plays] on the road. And I seem to have gotten myself in foul trouble more often on the road.�

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Hamblen officially took over Feb. 2 for Rudy Tomjanovich, but he has remained in the same office he shared with other assistants.

“I’d have to move all my stuff,� he said. “I’m only going to be there a short time.... Why move it twice?�

Now Hamblen has no choice.

Brian Shaw, who was switched two weeks from scouting to assistant coach, has taken over Tomjanovich’s old office.

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The case of Gary Payton took its latest turn after the Atlanta Hawks waived him Tuesday night, making him available to sign with the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns or the Celtics, who traded him to Atlanta last week. Payton is expected to officially clear waivers Friday.

“He’s a veteran player and he knows what it’s going to take ... hopefully he’ll come back,� Celtic Coach Doc Rivers said.

For the record, the Lakers are not interested in signing Payton, who played for them last season.

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The Lakers are 9-17 away from Staples Center, on pace for their worst road record since going 12-29 away from home in 1993-94.... The Lakers play 12 games in the next 22 days, eight of them on the road.