George Takes Part in Full-Court Play

With what may have been the most hyped regular-season game in NBA history behind them, the Lakers on Monday returned to practice and mundane topics, such as the status of guard Devean George.

George, who underwent surgery on his left ankle in July, went through an extended workout and participated in a full-court scrimmage.

“That was the first time I really went up and down [the court] and it was a little rough,” George said. “You don’t forget how to shoot, but my legs were not there, my life was not there. The way to get back is to get in the scrimmages.”

George said he thought he would be ready to play within three weeks, and hoped that he would be back by the time the Lakers play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 10. He is from Minneapolis and played at Division III Augsburg (Minn.).

“That would probably be pushing it, but I would like it to be around that week,” George said.

He is not only trying to work his leg into shape, he is adjusting to the new system under first-year Coach Rudy Tomjanovich.

“I think I can do some things to help the team as well as I did in the past,” George said. “I was pretty good at finding my niche and providing a spark.”

George was a key role player the last three seasons, averaging seven points a game each season. He played in 82 games last season, starting 48. He is well known, even to the new faces on the team this season.

“Anyone who has been around basketball knows what Devean George brings to a team: his defense and athleticism and three-point shooting,” Lamar Odom said. “We are already familiar with his locker-room presence and now we’re getting to see him the court. It was great today.”

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The Lakers set a team record with 36 three-point shots during Saturday’s loss to Miami. They are also on pace to break the season record of 1,500, set in 1996-97. The Lakers have attempted 578 three-pointers in 26 games, a statistic that doesn’t bring a smile to Tomjanovich’s face.

“I don’t like-three pointers that haven’t come off penetration,” Tomjanovich said. “I think our guys are pretty good shooters, but we’re just settling on the outside. We’ve got to do better in that area. I would like to see explosion to the basket.”

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Chris Mihm, who had 35 rebounds in the last two games, practiced with his left hand bandaged because of a slightly sprained thumb.

TONIGHT

vs. Toronto, FSN, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

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

Records -- Lakers 14-12, Raptors 10-19.

Record vs. Raptors (2003-04) -- 2-0.

Update -- Laker forward Caron Butler returns tonight after a one-game suspension for punching New Orleans guard Dan Dickau. The Raptors are 2-3 since trading Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets.