Odom and Atkins Readjust

Kobe Bryant was back, which left Lamar Odom and Chucky Atkins ... where exactly?

Odom discovered his place in the Laker offense during Bryant’s 14-game absence, averaging 18.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists while assuming a more aggressive demeanor.

Atkins was similarly productive, averaging 18.6 points and 6.7 assists and leading the team in scoring five times.

Bryant returned Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers lost, 103-89, and Atkins returned to his pre-Bryant injury production with 11 points and four assists.

Odom fared better with 19 points on six-for-12 shooting and said he wasn’t concerned about losing his place in line.

“I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” said Odom, who had nine rebounds. “He’s one person. So many shots [are available] on an NBA team. Nobody’s ever going to take 60. I can get my shot at any given time.”

Odom has a theory that Bryant will draw double teams away from him, leaving another way for Odom to get shots.

“I’ll be on the weak side getting open looks,” Odom said.

Atkins’ job before Bryant’s injury was to serve primarily as a three-point shooter, but his role expanded when Bryant was out.

Atkins’ response Sunday to Bryant’s return? Give up a little and perhaps gain a little more.

“What was our record without him? Six and eight?” Atkins said. “We’ve got to establish ourselves as a legitimate playoff team. We need that extra threat. We needed to get some extra reinforcements, get our team right before the All-Star break and afterward.”

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Flip Saunders, fired Saturday in his 10th season as coach of the Timberwolves, told reporters in Minnesota he would not be interested in coaching any other team this season. He is guaranteed $8 million for the rest of this season and next season.

Laker Coach Frank Hamblen smiled when asked about Minnesota General Manager Kevin McHale’s firing Saunders and taking over coaching duties.

“I’m on a game-to-game contract,” Hamblen said. “I can see [Laker General Manager] Mitch Kupchak coming down as early as Tuesday [against Utah]. I think he’d do a great job.”

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Rookie guard Tony Bobbitt took Bryant’s spot on the injured list with a sprained right ankle. ... Bryant played Sunday, but Cleveland guard Ira Newble, whose foot inadvertently caused Bryant’s injury, sat out because of a sprained Achilles’ tendon.