Rodman Starts, but No Blame Put on Knight

Dennis Rodman got his first start as a Laker on Friday, replacing Travis Knight in the lineup at power forward as Coach Kurt Rambis searched for an answer to the team’s recent spate of turgid first quarters.

“I in no way am blaming our slow starts solely on Travis,” Rambis said of the forward who had started the previous 20 games.

“That has absolutely nothing to do with it. Just looking to tweak it with a better alternative.”

Rambis said he hoped Rodman’s energy, defensive intensity and rebounding could enliven the Lakers from the outset.

He also said he probably would be turning to Robert Horry--whose minutes have been scarce since the acquisitions of Rodman and Glen Rice--as his first big forward off the bench.

“I’m trying to get Robert some time too. That’s the direction I’m leaning to now,” Rambis said. “You know, Robert helps moving the basketball, he’s so active defensively. He brings a lot to the table.”

Knight, averaging 5.2 points and 4.4 rebounds before Friday’s game, had gotten into a pattern of early fouls and quick hooks.

“I’m all right--Kurt is a good coach and I know everybody on our team has faith in Kurt that he wants the team to win,” said Knight, who acknowledged that his minutes might come sparingly from now on.

“I was willing to do whatever Kurt thinks is best. It’s fine by me.

“I’m going to continue to work hard, play hard. It’s a role that I’m used to, it’s a role that I know and I feel comfortable doing.”

Rambis, in part, blamed himself for some of Knight’s struggles.

“He’s been up and down,” Rambis said. “But he hasn’t been getting consistent time, either. He’ll get a couple of fouls, and he’ll come out of the game, and he won’t see action a lot of times until the second half.

“I’ve messed with him a little bit. But him getting in foul trouble, I can’t keep him in the game, I’ve got to get him out.”