Here Is the Inside on the Outside

Imagine the possibilities. Coach Del Harris has.

Shaquille O’Neal on the post, four shooters spotting up on the perimeter, waiting to be left alone when a defender heads inside to double-team O’Neal. It can happen for the Lakers, when healthy, because of Thursday’s trade, a deal that will allow Harris to use three-point threats at power forward (Robert Horry), small forward (George McCloud), shooting guard (Eddie Jones) and point guard (Nick Van Exel) at the same time in a small lineup.

“I don’t want us standing around. I like movement,” Harris said. “But it doesn’t matter who cuts [to the basket] because we’ll still have three shooters out there.”

As if the Lakers needed another reason to anticipate the return of Horry and O’Neal from knee injuries. McCloud is waiting too, aware of how he finished second in the league in three-point baskets made last season without a dominating center to draw double teams inside and create open shots.

“I used to have to try to get shots off as quick as I could,” McCloud said. “But now, I think I’ll have time to get my legs into it and shoot the way I know I can shoot it.”

McCloud is shooting only 42.3% this season, but a respectable 38% from behind the three-point arc. Byron Scott leads the Lakers at 42.1%.