Van Exel Finds Groove After Slow Start

The recovery of Nick Van Exel is measured not in numbers, although those are impressive enough, but in words.

“I’ve been feeling good,” the Laker point guard said. “Most of all, I’ve had a lot of confidence, and Del [Harris, the coach] has been giving me a lot of leeway. I’ve just been feeling really good about my game.”

With good reason. After a brutal start--during which Van Exel was as critical of himself as anyone, once saying “I’m killing the team”--he is now in the midst of a streak that matches his upbeat mood.

In the last four games, Van Exel is averaging 25.5 points and 10.3 assists and shooting 47.2%.

In the last 11, he’s at 19.5, 7.7 and 48.7%.

And in the last eight games, he has shot 54.5% on three-pointers. Included in that was his 500th successful attempt from behind the arc, coming Tuesday at Chicago. Byron Scott is the only Laker to make more.