Jackson cautious about rest of the trip

MIAMI -- Wait a sec.

The trip’s almost . . . over? And there are only teams with losing records the rest of the way?

It’s true, but Phil Jackson doesn’t want to hear about it.

In fact, the Lakers coach winced when told the last three teams on the nine-game monster -- Miami, Charlotte and Minnesota -- had a combined 37-109 record.

“We haven’t won in Charlotte since I’ve been back [coaching],” he said. “Miami’s beaten us every year here in, what, the last four years? We just have to be careful with what we do.”

The Lakers have lost their last three games in Miami by an average of 11.3 points and their last two games in Charlotte by an average of 9.5 points.

But a victory today against a recently revamped Miami team ensures a winning record on the longest continuous trip in team history. As it is, the Lakers are 4-2, including an impressive lose-the-lead-but-take-it-right-back victory Friday against Orlando.

Kobe Bryant (dislocated right pinkie) did not practice Saturday after scoring 36 points against Orlando, but will play today. Pau Gasol (sore back) practiced and stuck around afterward to work on exercises specifically designed to strengthen his core region.

Gasol was especially effective against Orlando center Dwight Howard, scoring 30 points and luring him into foul trouble. On the night, Gasol took three charges -- two by Howard and another by Hedo Turkoglu. The main knock against Gasol in Memphis was his defense, but he was crafty and creative against Howard.

“[Gasol] doesn’t have a big body or strong base,” Jackson said. “He’s not going to be able to [hang] in the post with a guy like Howard. He’s just too overpowering, so [Gasol] has to use position. Make him go around. He can’t go through you. That was effective for us. He played a really good game.”

Said Bryant: “He has the ability to do everything on the floor -- pass, shoot, rebound, defend. He’s a smart basketball player.”

It used to be that the Lakers would stumble against inferior opponents. Then came a stretch last month where they won seven consecutive games, six of which were against teams with losing records.

“We’ve been doing a pretty good job of that,” Jackson said.

Jackson, on the trade that sent Shaquille O’Neal to Phoenix for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks: “I think it’s a good deal for Miami. It may take them a couple games, but the first game is kind of exciting for them.” . . . Jordan Farmar has been quiet lately, averaging 3.8 points and 18 minutes his last four games. “I think he’s gotten a little bit passive defensively rather than being aggressive and active,” Jackson said. “As a consequence, he’s gotten a little bit behind the game. He’s given us an infusion of energy [in the past]. We need that.”

TODAY

at Miami, 12:30 p.m. PST, Ch. 7

Site -- American Airlines Arena.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 32-17; Heat 9-39.

Record vs. Heat (2006-07) -- 1-1.

Update -- Miami has lost six consecutive games, although the Heat hoped to add some life by acquiring Shawn Marion and backup guard Marcus Banks from Phoenix for Shaquille O’Neal. Marion, a four-time All-Star forward, is averaging 18.4 points and 10 rebounds a game, and Marcus Banks is averaging 5.2 points. Both players are expected to suit up today with the Heat for the first time.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com