Fast Start May Help Harper

Though there are some tough stretches ahead, the Lakers’ fast start has come as a small surprise for those who figured it would take time to figure out the triangle offense and adapt to Coach Phil Jackson.

“We are playing better than I thought we’d be,” said guard Ron Harper, veteran of three championship seasons with Jackson in Chicago. “I didn’t think we’d be this good, I didn’t think we’d be playing this well.

“So I’m sure Phil’s kind of surprised.”

The Lakers’ early success also allows the team to consider getting some rest time for its stalwarts, especially Harper, who had arthroscopic knee surgery before the season.

Harper could go on the injured list within the month--possibly before the four-game Eastern trip and coming back after Christmas, one source suggested. That’s when the schedule is more spread out, giving Harper nearly two weeks off with the minimum five games missed.

“I kind of nurtured him through three seasons of championship ball, where he’s playing 18 to 22 or so playoff games, plus a regular season,” Jackson said of Harper.

“We were able to put Ron down during the course of the year, put him on the IR and restructure his training so his atrophy or whatever goes on . . . doesn’t end up debilitating him, causing more problems.”

TONIGHT

at Sacramento, 5

Channel 9, TBS

* Radio--KLAC 570.

* Records--Lakers 15-4, Kings 11-4.

* 1999 vs. Kings--1-2.

* Update--The athletic Kings were trouble for the Lakers last season and are easily the league’s No. 1 scoring team, averaging 106.1 points.