Lakers face old friend in Houston’s Von Wafer

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HOUSTON -- When the Lakers drafted Von Wafer with the 39th pick in the second round of the 2005 NBA draft, they liked his size and shooting ability.

But Wafer lasted just 16 games before the Lakers waived him.

The Lakers will get to see their former teammate tonight, because Wafer is starting at guard for the Houston Rockets.

This will be Wafer’s fifth straight start. He has been starting because Tracy McGrady is out with a sore left knee and Ron Artest is out with a sore right ankle.

The Lakers liked Wafer -- at 6-5, 210 pounds -- when they selected him out of Florida State. He was in the same draft that brought the Lakers Andrew Bynum and Ronny Turiaf.

Wafer entered Tuesday night’s game averaging 8.6 points on 46.4% shooting and 42% on three-pointers.

-- Broderick Turner