Medvedenko Gets a Start

Fifty games into the Laker season, a familiar face was back in the starting lineup.

Not since Game 5 of last season’s NBA Finals had forward Slava Medvedenko started a game, much less had a chance to make a difference, but he was inserted in place of ailing Lamar Odom on Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz.

Medvedenko, averaging 2.9 points and 0.8 rebounds in only 16 games, has been barely a footnote this season. He signed a two-year contract in August to stay with the Lakers but was sidelined most of training camp after injuring his right heel.

He tumbled out of Rudy Tomjanovich’s rotation and has had more playing time recently because Coach Frank Hamblen is trying to install more triangle-offense sets.

“He’s familiar with things we’re trying to do,” Hamblen said. “I just want to give Slava a chance.”

Medvedenko scored on the Lakers’ first possession, converting a steal by Chucky Atkins into a transition layup. He finished with seven points and nine rebounds in 34 minutes.

Odom practiced Monday but woke up Tuesday with stomach pain and sat out because of what team officials said was a virus.

*

Hamblen’s self-deprecating comedy tour continued Tuesday.

Asked to assess the season heading into the All-Star break, Hamblen said the Lakers were set back by Tomjanovich’s unexpected resignation and Kobe Bryant’s ankle sprain.

Oh, and one other thing.

“My taking over has probably hurt the team too,” he said dryly.

Hamblen has maintained since his Feb. 2 promotion that he’s merely keeping the seat warm for the next Laker coach. He has also openly endorsed Phil Jackson for the job.

*

Tomjanovich returned last weekend from a trip to Hawaii with his wife and Laker owner Jerry Buss. “I think he’s feeling better physically,” Hamblen said.... The Lakers have had their injury woes, but the Jazz was hit hard Monday against the Phoenix Suns. Forward Andrei Kirilenko sustained a sprained right ankle, forward Carlos Boozer sustained a sprained right foot and guard Raja Bell hyperextended his right elbow late in the game. Bell started against the Lakers and scored 16 points, but Kirilenko and Boozer didn’t play.