Kings May Need to Think About Line of Succession

Since Larry Robinson became the Kings’ coach in 1995, there has been a question about how long he wants to remain behind the bench before retiring to his Florida horse ranch.

Now, amid a dreadfully disappointing season, another question has emerged within the Kings’ front office: Do they want Robinson to remain?

Robinson didn’t meet with his players before Wednesday’s practice to discuss his future. He met with them to discuss the importance of the upcoming seven-game stretch, including tonight’s game at home against Edmonton followed by six in a row on the road. But that could go a long way in determining his future.

If the Kings don’t rally in the next two months to earn a playoff berth, their president, Tim Leiweke, has said everyone in the organization will be held accountable. There have been indications that Robinson, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will be held more accountable than most.

But even if the Kings don’t ask him to leave, Robinson might.

There are valid reasons for his frustration.

Injuries crippled the Kings early in the season, and not until Glen Murray’s anticipated return within the next couple of weeks will they finally be at full strength.

Rob Blake, although still the Kings’ best player and one of the league’s best, has not repeated his Norris Trophy-winning season, partly because of injuries and partly because he’s pressing to compensate for others’ shortcomings. After scoring 23 goals last season, he has four.

Several other players who were outstanding a year ago, including Craig Johnson, Yanic Perreault and Vladimir Tsyplakov, haven’t been this season, leading the Kings to wonder which kind of players they will be in the future. Free-agent signee Steve Duchesne has not contributed as expected.

Most distressing for Robinson, however, is that not all of the Kings have been mentally ready to play each game. That has caused Robinson, who is hard on himself even in good times, to ask himself whether he’s the coach to get the most out of this team. The difference now is that King management also wonders.

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Give credit for the Ducks’ success to Coach Craig Hartsburg. It’s safe to assume now that he wasn’t the problem with the Chicago Blackhawks, who have dropped from fifth-worst in the Western Conference to worst since they let him go. . . .

Hartsburg’s biggest contribution to the Ducks: He has made people finally quit talking about Ron Wilson. . . .

Paul Kariya might not be the only member of his family who stars at the Arrowhead Pond this year. . . .

His brother, Steve, is one of the best players for the University of Maine, ranked No. 2 in the nation and expected to advance to the Frozen Four, NCAA ice hockey’s version of the Final Four, on April 1-3 in Anaheim. . . .

If Del Harris looks over his shoulder, he might see Phil Jackson. . . .

Jackson’s agent, Todd Musburger, told the Chicago Tribune that he’s not booking any speaking engagements beyond this summer for the former Bull coach because he might want to return to the sideline. . . .

At least we know Jackson can handle a certain cross-dressing, thuggish power forward. . . .

Don’t be surprised if Jim Harrick becomes the next coach at San Diego State. . . .

It’s a good time to leave Rhode Island. Lamar Odom is expected to leave and become the NBA’s No. 1 draft choice. . . .

Baron Davis probably would be a lottery pick in the next draft. But NBA scouts would rather see him stay at UCLA as a junior to give his knee another year of rehabilitation. They’re not sure whether it’s ready for the rigors of an NBA schedule. . . .

If Harrick goes to San Diego State, the Aztecs might become a contender for Schea Cotton. . . .

The Long Beach City College freshman has Rhode Island on his list now primarily because of Harrick. Cotton reportedly also is considering USC, South Florida and Oregon State. . . .

Too bad Henry Bibby can’t promise Cotton he could play in a new arena on USC’s campus. The possibility of a five-year wait before construction is completed won’t help recruiting right away. . . .

USC rarely cheers for UCLA, but the Trojans have made an exception this season for the Bruin women’s basketball team. USC is hosting next month’s West Regional at the Sports Arena and hopes UCLA is there to attract a crowd.

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While wondering if Chris Ford has any better ideas, I was thinking: The Lakers should give Dennis Rodman a deadline of now or never, Tonya Harding is still starring in the ice follies, it’s good to see the Coliseum leading the marathon.

Randy Harvey can be reached at his e-mail address: randy.harvey@latimes.com