Fisher Can Rest on Injured List

By TIM KAWAKAMI

April 15, 2000 12 AM PT

In a bit of surprise move, Derek Fisher, who has a bone spur in his right ankle, was put on the injured list before Friday’s game and rookie guard John Celestand was activated to take his roster spot.

Coach Phil Jackson said he has every intention of including Fisher when playoff rosters are submitted Thursday (the day after the close of the regular season).

With the move, Fisher is only required to be on the injured list until the close of the regular season.

“He wasn’t moving right out there on the court the last couple games,” Jackson said. “We felt some rest might help him get back in the fray a little bit, so to speak. . . .

“It won’t affect our playoff roster, but it’ll be an opportunity for him to get some rest at the end.”

Celestand, a second-round pick from Villanova, played in 12 games in November and December, and said that he hopes to get a chance to show that he has matured and improved during his 51 games on the injured list (knee tendinitis).

“I’ve been anxious for a long time,” Celestand said before the game. “It was hard because I thought I was going to play earlier [when the Lakers planned to put Ron Harper on the injured list], and it was kind of disappointing.

“But we have a good team, and I’ve got to wait my turn, you know.”

Celestand said that he and the team’s other rookie, Devean George, understand that it is difficult for rookies to break into a veteran rotation.

“It’s hard to come into a situation where you’re not playing even limited minutes, you’re not playing at all,” Celestand said. “But it’s a good ride.”

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Triple Plays / The Big 3

Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Glen Rice have been the driving force behind the Lakers’ success. How they fared:

O’NEAL

*--*

Fri. Season 41 Points 29.8 16 Rebounds 13.6 2 Assists 3.7

*--*

BRYANT

*--*

Fri. Season 31 Points 22.6 5 Rebounds 6.2 5 Assists 4.9

*--*

RICE