Champions Looking Out of Step

It’s been five games since Shaquille O’Neal returned from surgery, so every win since (three) has been a sign the Lakers have returned to their championship form and every defeat (two) more evidence they lack the depth to extend their run of championships to four.

The analyses are further muddled by injury, first O’Neal’s, then the rest -- Devean George, Samaki Walker, Robert Horry, et al -- and so the Lakers concluded their first month 6-11, without a quality win and with a raft of losses to the likes of last-place Cleveland and Miami.

If it is consolation, they don’t like it, either. These aren’t quite the shrug-and-go Lakers of past seasons, where losses pass with hardly an eyebrow raised. Kobe Bryant has been quick to scold, and so distraught was O’Neal after Wednesday’s loss at Orlando that he observed, “We’re playing like when Del Harris coached us; no fire.”

The Lakers held a short practice Saturday mostly for reserves after the four-hour, late-night flight from Memphis. They soothed their injured -- Horry’s sore left foot is the new concern, but George is expected to come off the injured list -- and play the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.

In the meantime, there is no rhythm to their season.

“For the most part, we’re just kind of grinding it out,” Laker guard Derek Fisher said. “Fortunately, we did what was necessary [Friday] to win. We’re not playing consistent basketball. It’s going to take time.”

*

TONIGHT

vs. Minnesota, 6:30

Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Lakers 6-11, Timberwolves 9-8.

Record vs. Timberwolves (2001-02) -- 2-2.

Update -- The Lakers have won 16 consecutive home games against the Timberwolves, dating to a two-point loss in December 1993. Shaquille O’Neal averaged 27.5 points in the two wins last season, 28 in the two losses.