Divac Is Expected to Begin Practicing This Week

Center Vlade Divac, sidelined by a back injury since attempting an ill-fated spin move before training camp, is expected to start practicing this week, possibly as soon as today, adding a passer’s touch and much-needed depth to a depleted Laker frontcourt.

Divac, signed as a free agent in July, sustained a herniated disk while trying to spin with the ball in the post during an informal workout in September.

The injury had frustrated the 36-year-old Divac, who woke up some mornings feeling fine and others feeling feeble.

“He feels good,” Laker spokesman John Black said. “His conditioning is not ready yet, but his back’s feeling good.

“We’re hoping that Vlade will be able to practice this week. It could be as early as [today].”

Chris Mihm has done an adequate job at center, averaging 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds, but Divac would add a veteran 7-footer to a frontcourt that is currently short four players -- Slava Medvedenko, Jumaine Jones, Devean George and Divac -- because of injuries.

Divac averaged 9.9 points and 5.3 assists last season for the Sacramento Kings.

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The Lakers continue to lose large leads, a worrisome pattern reflected in three of four games on their recent trip.

They led by 33 in New Orleans, had it cut to seven, and held on to win by eight. They led by 18 in Orlando and managed to lose by nine. They were up 22 in Houston, fell behind by a point, and rallied to win by five.

“Somehow, some way, we have to learn how not to lose a lead,” guard Chucky Atkins said.

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After splitting four games in five days, the Lakers were given Sunday off, although Coach Rudy Tomjanovich hinted Monday and Tuesday would be busy. The Lakers play the Clippers on Wednesday.

“We know we have a lot of work to do to get to be really competitive,” Tomjanovich said. “There’s a lot of heart there, a lot of energy, and youth.”