Triangle Has Some Going in Circles

Saying he could tell his players weren’t as ready as he had hoped for additional five-on-five scrimmaging with the triangle offense, Coach Phil Jackson ran them through more basic, regimented drills during Thursday’s scheduled workout.

“Mostly, it’s trying to find a rhythm for us to play offense,” Jackson said Thursday. “It was a hard practice and a long practice and they got fatigued out there, and they are finding their way, basically, in the offense.

“This is going to be a while.”

How have his players, who did run five-on-five offensive drills on Wednesday evening, adapted to the triangle teachings?

“So-so,” Jackson said. “I’m seeing a lot of recognition from some of my guard corps. I’m seeing a lot of kind of feeling out from my wings. Our guys haven’t really recognized because they’re in different spots.

“And our centers are doing a real good job. . . . But it’s easiest for the centers.”

Jackson said he will run five-on-five half-court scrimmaging during today’s evening practice, which will include referees.

Said guard Derek Fisher, whose on-floor leadership drew praise Thursday from Jackson: “We’re still feeling out the offense. There was a little confusion out there. But we’ve only been at this thing for two days, basically. We still have a very long way to go because it’s new to everybody here.”

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Jackson pointed to Glen Rice’s recent bout with knee tendinitis to illustrate why he scheduled only one practice Thursday after double-days on the previous two days. “He’s struggling his way through it,” Jackson said of Rice, who missed most of one practice Wednesday but returned for the next two. “But that’s the process of two-a-days at this time.” . . . Jackson confirmed he is leaning toward holding future Laker training camps at their still-unfinished practice facility in El Segundo. “Do you think they’ll have it built by next year?” Jackson joked, referring to the deadlines that already have been missed for the opening of the site. The Lakers are hoping they can move in by Nov. 1, but delays might bump back the move until December.