Jackson Seeks More in Post-Production Phase

Lost in Kobe Bryant’s 0-for-5 shooting in the fourth quarter and Wednesday’s second-half slide against Minnesota were two keys to the Lakers’ season.

Kwame Brown and Chris Mihm.

Brown finally scored more than eight points, but Coach Phil Jackson wanted more touches for both post players.

Mihm, bothered by foul trouble, again, had two points on one-for-three shooting in 22 minutes. Brown had 10 points on four-for-10 shooting in 39 minutes.

“I’m not happy with the way the ball’s going inside,” Jackson said. “Chris Mihm had open opportunities. Kwame had open opportunities. The ball didn’t get inside to them at the end of the game. We’ve got to do that.”

The Lakers were outscored, 43-29, in the second half of their 88-74 loss.

Jackson also hinted at the demands that await Brown, who had his most active game with the Lakers but has averaged only 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds. “We thought this kid would be a natural out there for a double-double on any given night in the NBA,” Jackson said. “We have to really get after him to meet those expectations.”

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The Lakers are 0-2 in the second game of back-to-back situations. They were 5-14 in such games last season.... Brown, on his improved effort against the Timberwolves: “I stayed out of foul trouble [but] it was just one game.”

TONIGHT

at Philadelphia, 5 PST, Ch. 9, ESPN

Site -- Wachovia Center.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 3-2; 76ers 2-3.

Record vs. 76ers (2004-05) -- 0-2.

Update -- The 76ers have won two consecutive games, including a 112-97 victory Wednesday over Dallas. Allen Iverson is averaging 29.8 points, tied for second in the league behind Kobe Bryant (34.8 points). The 76ers handled the Lakers with ease last season, 108-91 and 96-89.