Fisher Shoots His Way Out of Slump

Derek Fisher, mired in a shooting slump that had seen him go 11 for 60 from the field since opening night, broke out of it Sunday, scoring 20 points, making six of 10 shots from the floor and all four of his three-point tries.

Of course, that was after a long day of shooting practice Saturday, after which he missed his first two shots of Sunday’s game.

“The first shot felt good,” Fisher said. “The second shot felt good--and the ball sailed clear over the rim. But in this offense, I have been consistently able to get good looks so whether I’m 10 for 10 or 0 for 10, it’s important that I shoot the basketball.”

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Shaquille O’Neal, mired in a free-throw slump, is still mired. He missed five of his six attempts Sunday and airballed one. He’s now down to 33.8%.

Tonight

at Phoenix, 6 PST

Channel 9

* Site--America West Arena.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 6-2, Phoenix 4-3.

* Record vs. Phoenix (1999)--3-1.

* Update--This is the Lakers’ first meeting with the Suns, who are once again Pacific powers. The Suns have started slowly in the regular season but have played five of their games on the road. The new players to watch are Penny Hardaway and rookie forward Shawn Marion.