Defense Getting Good Reviews

With makeshift lineups and without a real power forward, the Laker defense under Coach Phil Jackson has tightened up so far this season.

Eight times in nine games, Laker opponents have been held under 100 points, the only exception occurring Nov. 9 in a Laker rout, when Dallas managed to score 101.

Last season, Laker opponents scored 100 points or more 22 times in 50 regular-season games, and averaged 96 points.

After holding Phoenix to 82 points Monday, the Lakers are giving up only 91.3 a game this season.

“I’m getting information, like [former Laker and current Maverick] Sean Rooks mentioned to one of my assistants how much improved we are in transition defense,” Jackson said.

“They thought it was an area we were going to be very limited in. And he said they were real surprised how much improved the transition defense is. So it’s obvious that we have improved at some level.

“I’m still not sure how much improvement is there--they have to understand how critically important it is.”

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Jackson has been able to play two small forwards--Glen Rice and Rick Fox--together for stretches, which has meant less time for Travis Knight.

Jackson has also used A.C. Green, who is averaging 8.4 rebounds, at center with the second unit.

“Really, our team functions very well with Fox and Rice,” Jackson said. “We’ve been able to get away with playing Rick at [power forward].

“He’s a valuable asset there if he can mismatch or we can cross-match from that position. . . .

“And obviously, it’s taken some time away from the [other power forwards], simply because we weren’t that deep and A.C. has been playing very well. So when I need a bigger guy, A.C.’s been a real stalwart there.”

Knight has played only 46 minutes in nine games, mostly giving Shaquille O’Neal one- or two-minute rests at the ends of quarters.