LAKERS TONIGHT

Opponent--Indiana Pacers.

Site--Market Square Arena, Indianapolis.

Time--10 a.m.

TV--Channel 4.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 39-18, Pacers 27-29.

Record vs. Pacers--1-0.

Laker update--There is reason for immediate optimism: The next eight opponents have a combined winning percentage of .409, with only one, the Houston Rockets, above .500. The Lakers can use the break, having lost five of their last seven overall and two of the first three on the trip. Eddie Jones is averaging 20.3 points in the last 10 games, but shooting 43.1% in that time.

Pacer update--Mark Jackson’s assist totals began to drop when he was traded back to Indiana, allowing John Stockton to cut into his league lead in that category, but Jackson set a team record Friday night with 19. His return also has meant a change in position for Jalen Rose, the former backup point guard to Travis Best and now a small forward, albeit grudgingly. At least he’ll get some minutes there.