Bryant Makes an Adjustment

Coach Phil Jackson’s triangle offense is back. Kobe Bryant’s position in it is not.

While the Lakers are busy reinstalling the triple-post offense, Bryant’s role has shifted from ballhandler to wing player, giving a different look to an otherwise familiar offense.

“When we ran it in years past, I was the one bringing the ball up, initiating the offense, and I would post up when I had mismatches or little guys on me,” Bryant said Sunday. “Here, I’m down on the wing spot right now. It’s more of a striking position, so I post up a lot more.”

It is expected to ease Bryant’s workload after a season in which he shot only 43.3% -- his lowest percentage since 1997-98 -- and struggled defensively.

“I’m happy about it,” he said. “It enables me to conserve a lot of energy. I don’t have to fight a guard up the court 94 feet and then come down and be asked to post up and score.”

The plan, as it stands, is for Lamar Odom to bring the ball up more often than Bryant.

“He’s great at doing that, he’s great at being a facilitator, great at pushing the ball,” Bryant said. “Originally, I was a scorer to begin with. His strengths and my strengths, that’s what we’re trying to play to.”

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While on the subject ...

Bryant wasn’t always so complimentary of the triangle. During a preseason luncheon in 2001, he said the triangle “does win championships in June,” but said in December and January it was extremely boring.

On Sunday, he defended its existence.

“I’ve said it a million times before and I’ll say it again: I’ve never had a problem with the triangle,” he said. “I actually love it. It’s a great offense. It’s predicated on ball movement, on spacing, on penetration.”

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Center Andrew Bynum missed his second day of practice because of an abdominal strain. Forward Corie Blount practiced after sitting out a day because of a sore knee. Forward Laron Profit is out because of a strained calf muscle and probably will miss Tuesday’s exhibition against Golden State.