ROSTER

KOBE BRYANT (GUARD)

No.: 8. Size: 6-7, 215.

Age: 21. Fourth season.

Became one of top guards in the league last season. Adjustment to triangle offense slowed by broken hand (should be out first 10-12 games), but had been showing ferocious defensive attitude.

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DEREK FISHER (GUARD)

No.: 2. Size: 6-1, 200.

Age: 25. Fourth season.

Not as tall as Phil Jackson likes his guards, but Fisher’s hustle and smarts--plus an improved jump shot--make him a lock for major minutes after landing long-term deal in summer.

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RICK FOX (SWINGMAN)

No.: 17. Size: 6-7, 242.

Age: 30. Ninth season.

Key part of Laker second unit has at times struggled with his shot. Jackson might play him some at power forward. When he’s on, his court vision and savvy make him extremely valuable.

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DEVEAN GEORGE (SWINGMAN)

No.: 3. Size: 6-8- 220.

Age: 22. Rookie

The surprise of training camp. Initially pegged for strictly end-of-bench role, his athleticism (No. 2 rebounder in exhibition season) and defense jumped him into consideration for significant action.

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A.C. GREEN (FORWARD)

No.: 45. Size: 6-9, 225.

Age: 36. 15th season.

Returns to Lakers after six-year absence, being asked to provide same energy and blue-collar ethic he gave in first term, only in smaller doses and possibly as leader of second unit.

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RON HARPER (GUARD)

No.: 4. Size: 6-6, 216.

Age: 35. 14th season.

After three titles with Bulls, he’s Jackson’s security blanket as Lakers learn triangle. Limited by age and achy knee, he’s reminder and example of how good it can be.

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ROBERT HORRY (FORWARD)

No.: 5. Size: 6-10, 235.

Age: 29. Eighth season.

Struggled early in triangle; Jackson is hoping Horry’s knees hold up enough to provide defensive rebounding and a few baskets. If he can’t, the power forward search goes into hyper-drive.

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SAM JACOBSON (GUARD)

No.: 7. Size: 6-6, 215.

Age: 24. Second season.

Less-than-sparkling exhibition season means, at best, he will start 1999-2000 as fifth guard, and becomes No. 6 when Bryant is activated.

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TRAVIS KNIGHT (FORWARD)

No.: 40. Size: 7-0, 235.

Age: 25. Fourth season.

He needed good preseason to solidify big-man role, but sprained ankle wiped it out. Could be 20-minute man at center and forward (think Bill Wennington), because second unit is desperate for scoring.

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TYRONN LUE (GUARD)

No.: 10. Size: 6-0, 175.

Age: 22. Second season.

Exciting player will probably be limited to cameo appearances under Jackson, who dislikes playing undersized, mismatch-prone guards. He does have value around league.

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SHAQUILLE O’NEAL (CENTER)

No.: 34. Size: 7-1, 340.

Age: 27. Eighth season.

By far the best thing about team’s shaky exhibition season was his all-around game--22.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, better free-throw shooting in last two games--and coachable attitude.

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GLEN RICE (FORWARD)

No.: 41. Size: 6-8, 221.

Age: 32. 11th season.

Chance to prove that last season was an aberration and that he can shoot close to 50%, blend smoothly in share-the-ball offense and play defense. If he can’t, a midseason trade is always possible.

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JOHN SALLEY (FORWARD-CENTER)

No.: 16. Size: 6-11, 250.

Age: 35. 11th season.

Won surprise roster spot, after three-year layoff, by showing life in legs and ability to play post defense. If he can keep things from falling apart for four minutes a half, it’ll be major success story.

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BRIAN SHAW (GUARD)

No.: 20. Size: 6-6, 220.

Age: 33. 11th season.

A plug-in until Bryant is activated, could stick on roster if his legs, defense and jumper remain constant.

Not pictured: John Celestand, who opens the season on the injured reserve list.