Backup Looks Like a Luxury

Despite a growing sense among league executives that there might not be a luxury tax, the Lakers appear no more likely to acquire front-court help by the Feb. 21 trading deadline.

Phil Jackson has said he would like to add heft behind Shaquille O’Neal, particularly in light of O’Neal’s arthritic big toe, and the Lakers have a traded player exception to the salary cap.

There is little talent available at what the Lakers would pay, however.

Also, the final luxury tax numbers won’t be available until the off-season and the Lakers, ever mindful of the tax ceiling, apparently won’t tempt that.

It is possible, though, that the Lakers would pass on a chance to add a player because of luxury tax implications, only to find there is no such tax.

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Kobe Bryant will have his jersey retired at Lower Merion High on Jan. 26, the night before the Lakers play the Philadelphia 76ers to start a five-city trip.

On Jan. 28, later on the same trip, the Lakers are scheduled to visit the White House to be honored for last season’s NBA title. The Lakers did not make the ceremonial tour last year because of White House conflicts.

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As part of a marketing deal, a man dressed as a courier delivered the basketball to mid-court for Saturday’s opening tip.

Referee Joey Crawford, a refreshing character among the NBA’s otherwise dour officials, fished a dollar out of his pocket and handed it to the guy.

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The Lakers were not scheduled to practice today but will reassemble at their facility in El Segundo on Monday morning. Jackson said he expects O’Neal at the practice. O’Neal spent the weekend in Newark, N.J., where he attended his grandmother’s funeral. ... Robert Horry took a Tim Duncan elbow below his right eye late in the fourth quarter. He said it would not be a bother.

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Tim Brown