Aggressive Hunter Fits Right Into the Triangle
From years of habit, point guard Lindsey Hunter often glances at the Laker bench, expecting to be relayed an offensive play, only to find dozens of eyes staring back, wondering what he’s looking at.
There are no set plays in the triangle offense.
It is notable that there are no point guards, either.
That, however, hasn’t hindered Hunter, the off-season gift from Milwaukee. In four games he has done a remarkable impersonation of Derek Fisher, while the real one recuperates from his second foot surgery in less than a year.
Hunter averaged 13.0 points, made 47.4% of his three-point shots, and turned the ball over less than twice a game in his first regular-season week as a Laker. He has done the Fisher number on defense as well, drawing several charges against Utah’s John Stockton, Portland’s Damon Stoudamire and Phoenix’s Stephon Marbury.
“From the start, it wasn’t easy,” Hunter said. “But I was committed from the first day of training camp to learn the basics. I can get shots off, but I wanted to know what Phil [Jackson] expected of me. Defensively, I knew what was expected. I’m up to that challenge. I look forward to that.”
An affable sort who has fallen in easily in a suddenly clique-free locker room, Hunter is getting praise for being as aggressive on offense as he is on defense, which is where he made his reputation. He has averaged 11.25 shots, four more than Isaiah Rider took per game last season.
“Right now, for some odd reason, people on the West Coast have forgotten what Lindsey Hunter can do,” Laker forward Rick Fox said.
While opponents double-team Shaquille O’Neal or Kobe Bryant and stay close to Fox on the perimeter, Hunter has been left open. As a result, the new guy has taken nearly twice as many shots as Fox, and nearly three times as many as Robert Horry.
“His game conforms with our style of play,” Jackson said. “We’re encouraging guys more and more to find him, because he’s been open a lot.”
Jackson said he has not yet considered the roles of Hunter and Fisher--the all-sportsman backcourt--when Fisher returns.
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Mark Madsen (strained abdomen) is hoping to start practicing without restrictions by the middle of next week.
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The Lakers ended their three-day mini-camp--they haven’t played since Sunday and didn’t practice Monday--with several hard sprints. Still, their conditioning is not where Jackson hoped.
TONIGHT
vs. Memphis, 7:30 Fox Sports Net
Site--Staples Center
Radio--KLAC (570)
Records--Lakers 4-0, Grizzlies 0-5.
Record vs. Grizzlies (2000-01)--4-0.
Update--The Lakers were 22-1 against the Grizzlies in that team’s six seasons in Vancouver, including 12-0 at home. Due to injuries, Memphis dressed only nine players against the Clippers on Wednesday night and lost by 16 points, and then canceled Thursday’s practice. The Grizzlies’ five losses are by an average of 11.2 points. Guards Michael Dickerson (bruised groin) and Nick Anderson (sore ankle) are doubtful against the Lakers. Forward Stromile Swift (sore ankle) is closest to being able to play, but he is questionable. Center Bryant Reeves is on the injured list and did not make the trip. It is possible--though unlikely--that Antonis Fotsis would come off the injured list to replace Dickerson.
Tickets--(800) 462-2849.