Jackson Adjusting the Role of Horry

In the 10 games since Samaki Walker was activated from the injured list, Coach Phil Jackson has started him at power forward three times.

Robert Horry, the veteran bench player who averaged 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds in the 13 games Walker missed because of a hyperextended elbow, has started the others.

Although it sometimes appears that Jackson has a matchup in mind--Walker started both games against San Antonio, Horry both against Dallas--it is not that complicated. “I usually go talk to Robert about it, see how he’s doing,” Jackson said.

In the last six weeks, however, Jackson, when he sees an odd gait from Horry, has resisted the urge to replace his veteran forward, who often plays better as the game progresses.

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Mitch Richmond returns tonight to Washington, where he spent three seasons before having his contract bought out by the Wizards, which allowed him to sign with the Lakers.

Never really in Jackson’s rotation, Richmond has not played in five of the last six games, running to 13 the number of games he has not played because of the coach’s decision. “There’ll be opportunities at some point still,” Jackson said.

TONIGHT

at Washington, 5 PST

Channel 9, TBS

Site--MCI Center.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 52-21, Wizards 34-39.

Record vs. Wizards--1-0.

Update--The Lakers were 103-94 winners in the first meeting, Feb. 12 at L.A. Kobe Bryant--absolutely, positively not inspired by Michael Jordan--led the Lakers in points (23), rebounds (11) and assists (15), his only triple-double of the season.