Minute by Minute, Barry Contributes

Shooting guard Jon Barry got his most significant action as a Laker on Friday, taking advantage of a continued reliance by Coach Del Harris on a small lineup to play 14 minutes and contribute five assists without a turnover against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Barry’s role as the fifth guard previously had been limited at best. Most of his playing time came in the numerous Laker blowout victories. But Wednesday, he played nine as Harris leaned on his three-guard alignment to counter the Boston Celtics’ traps and presses. He followed that with the 14 on Friday, six of which came early in the fourth quarter when the outcome was still in doubt.

“He makes a good guy to put in when we’re behind,” Harris said. “He’s a guy who can generate something offensively and give you a good effort defensively.

“The guys he’s playing behind are Eddie [Jones] and Kobe [Bryant]. It’s hard to split time there. I think he’s a good player. I just have to find spots for him.”

Said Barry, signed as a free agent in the off-season: “It’s kind of a Catch-22. I love to play, but I don’t want us to be down to be able to play. I want us up by 10 all the time.

“I’ve felt good lately. My shot, I left it in [training camp at] Palm Desert. I hadn’t found it. But I think I’ve found it the last couple of days. I’m really concentrating. I’m shooting every day. And I’m getting to know the guys’ game better, and that also really helps.”