Starters Given the Day Off

With a four-game winning streak heading into tonight’s game against Milwaukee, Laker Coach Phil Jackson gave his regulars the day off Saturday.

So instead of getting in another practice with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Gary Payton with less than a month remaining in the regular season, the Lakers’ coaching staff conducted a light workout with Kareem Rush, Luke Walton, Brian Cook and Bryon Russell.

“It’s mostly adjustment things,” Jackson said of the Lakers’ recent play, which has been good enough to win but not impressive.

“I think the attitude is right and that’s where we really have to come from as a team and that’s good.”

One reason Jackson has not been pressing his team with lengthy practices between games is because he understands his players better.

The Lakers still revolve around O’Neal and Bryant, but Jackson is more comfortable with the rest of his rotation.

Payton directs many of the Laker sets at point guard but sometimes moves over to shooting guard when Derek Fisher is in the lineup.

Malone, a primary scoring option for most of his career, has taken over as the Lakers’ set-up passer who can still score points in the post.

Rick Fox and Devean George hold down the small forward position, but Jackson will not hesitate to move Bryant into that role.

“We have a variety of aspects that we can turn to when we’re struggling offensively,” Jackson said.

“Playing Kobe at small forward is an option that changes the defense usually. It makes it different from where our attack zone comes from over the course of the game.”

Two options that the Lakers have developed over the course of the season have been Rush and Walton off the bench.

“If teams are playing sinking or sagging defense like [the Clippers used on Friday], I want to get Kareem Rush on the floor,” Jackson said. “He’s a ball player that we want out there because of his ability to hit three-point shots. We need spot-up shooters out there that can make the defense play honest.

“If we need some penetration and some passing; some activities that make opposing teams help defend, which a lot of times is their [power forwards], Luke has proven to be successful.”

The Lakers have 13 games remaining and Jackson says that is more than enough time to have his team rolling into the playoffs.

With important games left against Sacramento, Minnesota and San Antonio, it’s all about working the kinks out.

“We’re still working on just guys getting coordinated efforts on how to run the court, how to play offense together and how to make adjustments to the defense,” Jackson said. “Because of the injuries, we’re just a little bit back there.

“But the guys’ attentiveness has come up a notch and we’re ready to start moving forward. The guys will get in sync in what they’re trying to do.”

*

Now that Horace Grant has decided against having season-ending hip surgery, his challenge is to rehabilitate in time for the playoffs.

“It’s about wanting to win and not knowing how long I will be around,” Grant said about his decision to delay surgery. “I have to give it a shot. If I had surgery, I would been out and off the playoff roster. With the treatment I’m getting, I’ll give myself a chance.

“It wasn’t that difficult of a decision because I want to be out there.... And I don’t like to get cut on and I don’t like needles in the first place.”

TONIGHT

vs. Milwaukee, 6:30

Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Lakers 46-23, Bucks 34-34.

Record vs. Bucks -- 1-0.

Update -- Over his last seven games, Laker center Shaquille O’Neal has averaged slightly more than 21 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots. The Lakers are expected to activate rookie Brian Cook off the injured list before the game. Milwaukee is led by Michael Redd, who is averaging 22 points, and recent pickup Keith Van Horn, who is scoring nearly 19 points a game since being acquired from the New York Knicks.