Jones’ Fitness Faces True Test

Regardless of whether playing many minutes is taking a toll on Eddie Jones--he’s at 39.4 a game for the season, but only 34.6% from the field the last six outings--the Laker shooting guard said health is no longer an issue.

With the strained groin better and the phantom sore wrist gone again, Jones said he is finally fit.

Just in time to try to avoid getting battered in a different way--he defended Mitch Richmond three games ago, Reggie Miller two games ago and last game got Isaiah Rider. Jones earned his rest, a day off Saturday and only practice today before the Lakers travel Monday to open a three-game trip on Tuesday--when he gets to face Michael Jordan.

*

The ejection of Elden Campbell in the fourth quarter of Friday’s victory over Portland, the second of his career, was No. 1 in that he flashed a single finger at official Gary Benson.

Said Coach Del Harris: “I didn’t know these guys were into signing.”