Maggette Striving to Be Complete Player

If you’ve noticed a little change in Corey Maggette’s game lately it’s because he has sought advice from Elgin Baylor, the Clippers’ vice president of basketball operations.

Early in the season, Maggette often got into trouble trying to do too much too fast. But since the all-star break, Maggette has been letting the game come to him more.

“I’ve been trying to get the team more involved,” said Maggette, who earned his third start of the season Monday night against Dallas at Staples Center. “I know I can go to the basket whenever I want. It doesn’t mean I’m going to make the shot but I know I can get to the rim.

“I talk to Elgin all of the time and he’s helped me understand that when you drive there are always other options. I’m trying to be more aware of players on the wings. I know when I drive, defenses key in on me and that leaves people like Lamar [Odom], Pike [Eric Piatkowski] or Jeff [McInnis] open shots.”

Maggette, a 6-foot-6 swingman, said his goal is to be a complete player. He already is regarded as one of the team’s best defenders. Against the Mavericks, Coach Alvin Gentry gave Maggette the assignment of guarding 6-11 forward Dirk Nowitzki.

“I think I’m improving as a player,” Maggette said. “As long as I’m doing something to help my team win.”

TONIGHT

at Sacramento, 7:30 p.m.

Channel 9

* Site--Arco Arena.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 20-39, Kings 36-18.

* Record vs. Kings: 0-1.

* Update--The Clippers will complete their fourth back-to-back set of the month at Sacramento, where they have not won since Nov. 7, 1997. The Kings won the first meeting between the teams, 101-89, in Los Angeles on Jan. 27. The teams play again at Staples Center on Friday.