Bryant Likes This Rhythm

The Lakers’ first three-game winning streak of the season has been fairly impressive. They defeated the Phoenix Suns by 12 in a game in which Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant each scored more than 30 points. Then came Bryant’s record 12 three-point shots against Seattle, followed by Friday night’s rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bryant’s triple-double.

Bryant, for one, seems pleased.

“We’re just playing well, you can feel it,” he said after practice Saturday. “People who have been watching us from the start of the season can see the consistent rhythm. We’re playing more cohesively, we’re more in sync with one another.

“It’s one thing to win and play bad and another thing to win and have the rhythm we have now.”

Bryant is confident the Lakers can put together an extended winning streak.

“It’ll come,” he said.

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Bryant and O’Neal, who were laughing about a private joke at the end of practice, both sat out the two-hour session.

Coach Phil Jackson said he wanted to rest Bryant and O’Neal was nursing a sore calf. He got kicked just below the knee in the Cavalier game, but Jackson said he should be fine for tonight’s game against Miami.

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Bryant might be satisfied with how the Lakers have played in their last three games, but Jackson isn’t ready to say his team has turned things around.

When, in his mind, might that point come?

“Obviously, we have to get by Miami,” he said. “That’s why I brought them in at an early hour [10 a.m.] and worked them so they could focus on Miami. But ultimately it’s the road trip this week.”

After tonight’s game at Staples Center, the Lakers play at New Orleans on Wednesday and at Houston on Friday before playing three at home, beginning with the Clippers on Jan. 20.

Jackson said the Hornets, who may have Baron Davis back, and the Rockets will test the Lakers.

“Those are two good teams,” he said. “We’ve got to push this win streak to where we’re in a position to be at .500.”

If the Lakers (16-20) are able to extend their winning streak to six games by the time they return home to play the Clippers, they’ll be one game under .500.

TONIGHT

vs. Miami, 6:30

Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

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

Records -- Lakers 16-20, Miami 12-24.

Record vs. Heat -- 0-1.

Update -- Eddie Jones, the former Laker who is the Heat’s leading scorer at 18 points per game, is listed as doubtful because of a sprained ankle. Anthony Carter is expected to start in his place. Jones has been out the last four games, and the Heat lost all four on its way to losing five in a row overall. Guard Travis Best (ankle) has been on the injured list since Jan. 3. On Nov. 26, the Lakers lost to the Heat, 97-85, at Miami. The Heat has beaten the Lakers three times in their last five meetings, and two of those victories came at Staples Center. The Heat won, 102-96, at Staples last year. Coach Pat Riley, in his eighth season with the Heat, is 5-7 against the Lakers.