Task of Guarding Olajuwon Is Not for Faint-Hearted

With Shaquille O’Neal serving a one-game suspension, who’s the Laker center to match up with Hakeem Olajuwon for 30 minutes or so tonight? John Salley? Travis Knight?

A combination of several players?

“I think the guy out there that’s got the most nerve,” answered Laker Coach Phil Jackson, who used Salley, starting power forward A.C. Green and even swingman Rick Fox to relatively decent effect against Houston’s Olajuwon in Thursday’s one-point victory over the Rockets.

“And Salley tried to get a couple charges and Olajuwon ran him over, and I put A.C. Green on him, just whoever would hold their position.

“Travis has yet to show me he’s going to do that, but I’ll give him a shot too.”

Olajuwon, 36, is shooting just under 40% early in the season. He made only five of 18 shots in Wednesday’s game and scored 15 points.

Jackson also indicated that the team probably will activate forward Robert Horry from the injured list for tonight’s game after giving him a couple of extra days to rest his sore left knee.

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Jackson said he wasn’t surprised that Michael Jordan worked out Wednesday with the Chicago Bulls, though it’s probably not an indication that Jordan is contemplating a return to the NBA.

“I do know that he wanted to come out here and play some ball [in practice] with the Lakers--but I don’t know now if he’s really up to it or not, after playing with the Bulls,” Jackson said with a grin.

“He’s only good for about one practice a month is what he said. . . .

“I don’t think he needs to practice. I think he just needs to have fun with the Bulls, try to give them some kind of confidence or freedom, bring some kind of pride back to their team. I think that’s what he’s trying to do.”

The Bulls are off to a 0-4 start.

Tonight

vs. Houston

7:30, Fox Sports West

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 5-1, Rockets 0-5.

* Record vs. Rockets--1-0.

* Update--Kobe Bryant looked pretty frisky in an informal workout Thursday, but doctors say the broken bone in his right hand probably will still keep him out until about Thanksgiving.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.