LAKER-CLIPPER REPORT

Clipper center Michael Olowokandi had a strong start against the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal Sunday, and that’s because he’s getting used to playing against the league’s most dominant big man.

“It’s always different game when you are going against him,” said Olowokandi, who ended up with eight points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes as he faced O’Neal for the 12th time in his 160-game career. “Just in terms of how much effort you have to put in to keep him out of the post. Another thing is that they look for him a lot. They will throw the ball into the post all the time. You have to be as physical as you can going against him.”

Clipper Coach Alvin Gentry has noticed Olowokandi’s improved play against the Lakers but added that it’s tough to judge anyone against O’Neal.

“He’s playing with a lot more confidence going against [O’Neal],” Gentry said. “He is taking the ball and going to the basket aggressively. But we are talking about the best center in the game. Not too many people walk away with incredible stats going against [O’Neal].”

Gentry said the Clippers may change their approach to get more production from Olowokandi, who has struggled with fouls throughout his career.

“We have problems keeping him on the floor,” Gentry said. “He is playing [limited minutes] not because we want him to only play that many. . . . I think what we are going to have to do is leave him in games and let him play through foul trouble. Maybe give him an opportunity to get his third foul instead of taking him out and sitting him for eight- or nine-minute stretches.”

CLIPPERS TONIGHT

vs. Indiana, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 12-23, Pacers 15-19.

* Record vs. Pacers (1999-2000)--1-1.

* Update--Under first-year Coach Isiah Thomas, the Pacers are coming off an overtime victory at Sacramento on Friday. Last season, the Clippers defeated Indiana, 107-94, at Staples Center to end a 12-game losing streak to the Pacers.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849.