As Kersey Moves Up, Bench Output Falls

The concern for Coach Del Harris when he moved forward Jerome Kersey into the starting lineup was the effect the move would have on bench production. No wonder.

In the five games since Kersey was promoted, the Laker bench has been outscored by an average of 27.8 points to 23 and outrebounded, 16 to 12.2. Reserves are shooting only 36.6%.

“The guys are hanging in there,” Harris said. “We’re going big minutes with our starters.”

*

A final note on Reggie Miller’s going three for 15 from the field and scoring only 14 points, about seven below his average, in the Indiana Pacers’ three-point loss Wednesday at the Forum:

Beware the response.

When the Pacers came to town last season, he was held to eight shots, scored eight points and committed eight turnovers. But when the teams met again 2 1/2 weeks later in Indianapolis, Miller went six for 10, including two for four on three-point shots, and finished with 21 points, six assists and one turnover.

This season, he’ll have to wait until March 2 for revenge.