George Thinks Time With Team Is Limited

Devean George has not played in a game this season because of an ankle injury, and with the NBA trade deadline three days away, the Laker veteran talked Monday as if he had played his last game for the franchise.

“When you hear so much of a buzz with so many people calling me and hearing things, there’s got to be some truth to something,” said George, whose name has been linked to a couple of rumored deals, including one involving Utah power forward Carlos Boozer.

“My name has been mentioned with trades that are about to happen or are going to happen. I really can’t worry about it. I have no control over the matter.”

Over the All-Star weekend, George and Caron Butler, both small forwards, were mentioned in the trade speculation. George figures he’s going to be the odd man out.

“I talked to my agent and he filled me in with what is going on,” he said. “I just have to wait to see what’s going to happen.

“There have been so many changes. I’m just one ... who’s been around and hasn’t been part of the changes. So I think my time is limited. I appreciate the time I’ve been here. I’ve won three rings. They re-signed me and put me in a great financial situation.”

George, who had surgery on his left ankle before the season and has had complications with his rehabilitation, said he’s close to returning to the court. Whether it will be with the Lakers, he’s uncertain.

“I’m just a player, they tell me what to do,” said George, who is making $4.5 million this season and is due to make $5 million next season in the last year of his contract.

“I want to play wherever I can play. I’m close to getting healthy and that’s my main priority right now.”

According to league sources, several teams have expressed interest in George but are concerned about his health. Laker Coach Frank Hamblen said that General Manager Mitch Kupchak had told him nothing was going on.

“I don’t know where these rumors get started, but I’m sure that they’re bothering the players,” Hamblen said. “I just hope that the trade deadline gets here fast and nothing gets done.”

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Lamar Odom, who also has been mentioned in trade rumors, did not sound like a player worried about being dealt.

“The bottom line is that rumors happen in this league all the time about this time of year,” said Odom, whose name has been included in rumored deals involving Boozer and Sacramento’s Peja Stojakovic. “I’m flattered to hear my name come up because that means some teams believe that you can make them better. But other than that, I’m a Laker. I’m not bothered at all. It’s just part of the business. It’s just talk. I want to be a Laker the rest of my career.”

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Kobe Bryant missed practice to attend the funeral of his grandfather, Joseph Bryant. Jumaine Jones was not at practice because of flight problems returning to Los Angeles and Butler was absent because of a stomach virus.... Former Lakers Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw had their first practices as assistant coaches under Hamblen.

TONIGHT

vs. Boston, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center

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

Records -- Lakers 26-24, Celtics 27-26.

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

Update -- The Lakers have won three in a row over the Celtics. Former Laker Gary Payton is averaging 12.2 points and 6.1 assists in 32.9 minutes a game for the Celtics. Paul Pierce leads Boston in scoring with a 21.9 average.