Leadership Is Key Issue for Jackson

Acknowledging that the Laker season had reached a “critical point” with Games 3 and 4 at the Rose Garden, Coach Phil Jackson said it would almost certainly come down to which team’s key players offer stronger leadership.

And Jackson said there was no question that Scottie Pippen, his former Chicago Bull player, was leading the Trail Blazers, verbally and physically.

“Now would be the time for us to see how we combat against his leadership,” Jackson said before Game 3.

“One of the things that Scottie prides himself on is his ability to disrupt an offense. And also in the last game I think he carried the offensive attack for them in the first half. . . .

“I think he’s more himself today than he was last year as a Houston Rocket.”

For the Lakers, Jackson pointed to league most valuable player Shaquille O’Neal, the subject of a torrid Portland defensive attack, and Kobe Bryant.

“I think it’s just the leadership coming of age in this group,” Jackson said when asked why the Lakers seem to bob up and down emotionally, even in playoff games.

“You know, Shaq’s been our leader all year. He’s been the one. . . . If he’s motivated, playing with aggressiveness on both ends of the floor, we’re a pretty good team. But he’s got to pick that up and carry it.

“And when he doesn’t, you know, Kobe’s been the guy that’s stepped up behind him. . . . We’re in a position where we sought that leadership in Game No. 2. Now we need someone to step up today and provide that, either Shaq or Kobe.”

Jackson got what he wanted in Game 3, as O’Neal had 26 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3, and Bryant had 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Pippen had 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

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Rick Fox, who got into a scuffle with Pippen early in the fourth quarter when Pippen tossed the basketball at Fox, said Pippen hasn’t respected the Lakers all series.

“I don’t know what impression Scottie has of this team,” said Fox, who pushed Pippen and almost started a brawl before they were pulled apart.

“I’m not going to let somebody disrespect me that way. The message he’s trying to send basically is we don’t respect the Lakers and I’ve got a problem with that, I think we all do.”

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Rookie forward Devean George, who sprained his left ankle in Thursday’s practice, did not travel to Portland for Games 3 and 4.