It’s Too Soon to Know if They Can Follow the Rockets’ Orbit

Eight years ago, Robert Horry and the rest of the Houston Rockets won 47 regular-season games, were seeded sixth in the Western Conference playoffs, and won an NBA championship.

Horry has downplayed the similarities in the path taken by those Rockets and these Lakers, in large part because the Rockets traded midseason for Clyde Drexler, a move that radically altered that team’s makeup.

But on Monday afternoon, as it appeared the Lakers were destined to be seeded sixth, Horry granted the great “two guard [Kobe Bryant and Drexler] and center [Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon]” combinations. He also said the seeding did not accurately reflect either team.

“That was so long ago, I really don’t remember,” he said. “I just know we went in with a lot of confidence.”

Rick Fox suggested the Lakers might go to Horry for details.

“We do have the road map,” he said. “Phil [Jackson] is not the one who has it. Rob has it.”

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Jackson appeared unhappy with and attempted to clarify an item in The Times on Monday that quoted him as saying he would not coach for Michael Jordan but in the future might be willing to consult with him.

“I think that was inaccurate reporting. I don’t think it was inaccurate reporting, but I think the question was, simply, ‘Would you like to work with Michael again, if the opportunity presented itself?’ ” Jackson said. “And I said, ‘Sure, I would like to work with him and not for him.’ But, there’s no opportunity and it’s probably not going to present itself. So it was just a kind of statement that probably was drummed up a little larger than it should have been.”

Clear?

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In the two games since O’Neal and Bryant were outscored by four of their teammates in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks, those two have averaged 70 points and their 10 teammates have averaged 39.

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The Lakers ran hard during Monday’s practice, including sprints at the end for everyone but O’Neal and Bryant.... Fox said his right knee has improved, and Horry said his hip was sore but not a problem.... The Lakers have won 15 consecutive games at Staples Center, 14 as the home team.

TONIGHT

vs. Denver, 7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center

Radio -- KLAC-AM (570), KWKW-AM (1330), KIRN (670)

Records -- Lakers 48-32, Nuggets 17-63.

Record vs. Nuggets -- 3-0.

Update -- The Lakers have won the first three games of the series by an average of 19.3 points. The fewest Bryant has scored is 39 points, and he has averaged 44. The Nuggets have lost six in a row and 27 of 32 games. Nene Hilario did not play Saturday against the Clippers because of a back strain. He is doubtful for tonight.