There’s No Rest for Harper

Ron Harper, who was supposed to be on the injured list resting his legs, was noticeable by his sweating, sprinting presence at Laker practice Monday.

“I didn’t have any choice, I had to practice today,” Harper said with a shrug. “Usually, I don’t practice.”

Coach Phil Jackson, who has let Harper sit out most of the practice drills this season, motioned him out to the floor and kept him there as the team readied for tonight’s game without the suspended Kobe Bryant.

“I told [Bryant] I was mad at him,” Harper joked. “I told him I’m not his friend anymore.”

Derek Fisher started in November when Bryant was out because of a broken hand, and either Fisher or Brian Shaw will be in the starting lineup tonight.

Rookie John Celestand, on the injured list most of this season, was to be activated in Harper’s place, but now probably will be sidelined the rest of the season.

“I feel bad for John,” Harper said. “It’s his chance to show that he deserves it, I think. . . . [And] I could use some time off. But since I’m not going to have any time off, I’ve just got to go out play.”

Said Celestand as he bolted out of the practice site, “Yeah, I was looking forward to it too.”

TONIGHT

at Phoenix, 7:30, Channel 9, TNT

* Site--America West Arena.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 62-12, Suns 48-25.

* Record vs. Suns--3-0.

* Update--Even without injured Jason Kidd and Tom Gugliotta, the Suns are one game ahead of San Antonio for the No. 4 seeding in the Western Conference playoffs, having won nine of 11.