Kupchak Not Out to Deal Yet

Already, the Lakers have lost 37 player games in their regular rotation to injury (Shaquille O’Neal, Devean George, Mark Madsen) or suspension (Rick Fox). Robert Horry is limping and Kobe Bryant is bandaged and Samaki Walker isn’t quite right either.

So, while three wins in three weeks for a defending champion has been lousy, General Manager Mitch Kupchak has remained conservative. The Lakers aren’t actively shopping for a shooter or a power forward.

“The temptation,” Kupchak said, “is to overanalyze when you shouldn’t. For us to get a feel for how good this team could be, we have to get these guys back together. There’s no reason this team can’t be good enough.”

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As expected, George took O’Neal’s place on the injured list.

Coach Phil Jackson expects George, who has tendinitis in his right ankle, to return after the minimum five games, or close to it.

George is eligible to return Dec. 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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Bryant was on the floor two hours before game time Friday, shooting jumpers and running through his post moves. His basketball life changes, of course, with O’Neal’s return.

“More passing, perhaps,” Jackson said of Bryant’s role. “But he still has to bring the ball to a position where he can get it to Shaq. He doesn’t have to be so concerned with the penetration aspect, getting to the post so often, making sure he gets penetration and pitching the ball to other players. But he has to be sure he can shoot the ball on catch, because people will leave anybody out there to go and double Shaq.”