Van Exel Being Overused?

Del Harris was feeling guilty and impressed at the same time in the wake of a performance the Laker coach called masterful, the 24-point, 11-assist, zero-turnover showing by Nick Van Exel on Saturday night in Charlotte. Problem was, it also was a 38-minute showing.

“I’ve got to be careful,” Harris said. “I am relying on him a little too much.”

Having done a good job of conserving his point guard and helping him avoid the chronic knee problems that flared up during the preseason, Harris recently has been almost too liberal for his own liking. Van Exel has played 38 minutes each of the last two games, both close finishes, and is averaging 34.9 the last seven outings.

Van Exel’s season-long average is 33 minutes a game, about on target. But Harris, who has in turn reduced the playing time of backup Derek Fisher, doesn’t need reminding that too much wear now can become a problem down the line.

“I think about it,” Harris said. “I’m communicating with him. But he’s probably the worst guy in the world to communicate with, because he doesn’t want to come out of the game.

“I don’t want this to be interpreted that I don’t have confidence in Derek. I do. I just have more confidence in Nick.”

TONIGHT

Los Angeles at Houston

* 5:30 PST

* Channel 9

Site--Compaq Center.

Radio--KLAC 570.

Records--Lakers 20-6, Rockets 14-8.

Record vs. Rockets--2-0.

Update--Two of the Lakers’ most impressive victories have come against Houston: a double-overtime win Nov. 14 in Compaq Center on the second night of a back-to-back and a 17-point rout Dec. 12 at the Forum when the Rockets went in on a nine-game winning streak. Another Laker victory would clinch the season series and cap a hugely successful trip. They’re 3-1 on the swing so far and coming off clutch showings at Atlanta and Charlotte on consecutive nights. Houston’s Rodrick Rhodes, the rookie from USC, is on the injured list because of a sore left knee.