Odom: Players didn’t recognize what worked

HOUSTON -- Ready or not, Lamar Odom is the Lakers’ No. 2 option again.

He had been coasting along quietly, putting up substantial numbers as the third option behind Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, with the prospect of being No. 4 once Andrew Bynum returned from injury.

Then came another twist of fate after another injury, and Odom was pushed back up to secondary importance.

He had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the Lakers’ 104-92 loss Sunday to Houston, and seemed to lament the fact that he wasn’t found more often in the post.

“Guys have got to recognize as a team what’s working,” he said. “Tonight, we didn’t do that. Other teams notice. It just takes recognition as a team, from all the guys, to what’s working and what’s not.”

Coach Phil Jackson suggested that Odom act more forcefully if he wants the ball more often.

“He’s kind of a non-presence out there with a great deal of stats and does a terrific job on the boards,” Jackson said. “But he’s not the guy that goes out there and asserts himself in the offense and there are times when it’s opportunistic. He just takes advantage of the things that come his way.”

Gasol said his moderately sprained left ankle was feeling “a little bit better,” but he did not know when he would return.

The Lakers have not provided a timetable, although Jackson said Sunday that, “we’d be happy if he gets back before the end of this next week.”

Gasol has been icing the ankle and receiving treatment when he hasn’t been wearing a walking boot.

“The swelling went down and it’s not as sore as when it happened,” he said Sunday. “It’s developing well. The MRI didn’t reveal any major sprain, so it’s all good things and hopefully the time will be limited.”

Gasol chose to stay with the team for the rest of its trip instead of returning to Los Angeles.

“I like to be with the team and support my team, especially since we’re going through such a crucial time of the year and every game is so important and so huge,” he said. “I just want to be close to the team and help any way I can.”

Jackson seemed impressed by the Rockets, whose 22-game winning streak is the second longest in league history.

“Tracy [McGrady] had probably as poor a game as he’s probably played,” Jackson said. “And they still were able to win. That shows the teamwork that they’re playing with.”

McGrady had 11 points on four-for-16 shooting.

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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com