Fatigued Foe Is the Only Wish

On day two of their weeklong, NBC-mandated vacation, the Lakers would not admit they’d rather play the Phoenix Suns, who would have only Jake Tsakalidis standing between Shaquille O’Neal and the front of the rim.

The Suns, who trail in their first-round series, 2-1, host the Sacramento Kings tonight. Game 5, if necessary, is scheduled for Friday night in Sacramento.

The Lakers would only say they’re rooting for games. Long ones, and as many of them as possible. They’ll play the survivor beginning Sunday afternoon at Staples Center.

“I’m just hoping they go five games,” Laker forward Horace Grant said.

He insisted he had no preference, even if a Sacramento victory meant a best-of-seven assignment against Chris Webber.

“You know, it really doesn’t matter,” he said. “You throw everything out in the playoffs. Hopefully it goes five games, and then triple overtime.”

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The Lakers had 3-1 records against the Suns and Kings but held a greater statistical advantage against the Suns, whom they outscored 97.3 to 86.3 in four games. The Suns made only 39% of their field goals.

The Kings outscored the Lakers, 96.0 to 95.0, despite losing three games, two on their home floor.

O’Neal and Kobe Bryant combined to average 58.2 points a game against Sacramento, 55.7 against Phoenix.

“I think Phoenix is the smaller team, not as big in the middle, which presents problems for Shaquille stepping out on the floor guarding guys like Cliff Robinson and Rodney Rogers, Tom Gugliotta, guys who can hit jumpers from the perimeter,” Laker guard Derek Fisher said. “Sacramento is more low-post oriented, even though they have some shooters. . . . Both teams have different things that can cause us problems.”

The Lakers beat both in the playoffs last season.

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Bryant felt a twinge in his sore left ribs during Tuesday’s practice and left the floor early to receive treatment. Coach Phil Jackson said he did not expect it to be a significant setback.

Reserve center Greg Foster suffered an injury to his right foot in practice when he landed on O’Neal’s foot. An MRI exam showed no fractures. He is day to day.

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Ron Harper appears to have some small forward minutes ahead of him. The veteran guard, Jackson’s choice to run his triangle offense before Fisher began playing so well, could play behind Rick Fox when he returns to the floor, probably Sunday.

Jackson said he likes Harper in defensive matchups against the likes of Sacramento’s Peja Stojakovic and Phoenix’s Shawn Marion.