Mihm Makes Case for Structured Play

In his first game as the Lakers’ successor to Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Mihm had 23 points and 12 rebounds last November in an 89-78 season-opening victory over the Denver Nuggets.

It was only a tease.

Mihm rarely matched those numbers again, the Lakers fell into disarray and the promise of opening night was a distant memory by season’s end.

Though he finished with career-high averages of 9.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 24.9 minutes, Mihm indicated Saturday that a lack of structure hindered him.

“I’m the kind of player that I work well and I like playing basketball as a team, when everyone’s on the same page,” he said. “By the end of the season, we really didn’t have an offense.... It was just kind of freelance out there, and as a big guy I was basically trying to fight for rebounds and just do it that way.

“Unfortunately, last season went sour in a lot of different ways.”

Which is why Mihm, 26, has embraced a fresh start under Coach Phil Jackson, who in returning after a year’s sabbatical brought back the triangle offense.

“I think with this offense the ball runs through the post a lot more,” Mihm said. “It’s been fun for me because it’s got a passing option too.

“I’ve always liked getting the ball in the post and having cutters to work with and looking for guys to hit on the move. The motion and the off-the-ball stuff that he’s got going, it’s been a great system to learn.”

Another thing Mihm must learn is to stay out of foul trouble.

“I hate giving up any kind of free looks at the bucket, so I’m always trying to contest everything and trying to block everything,” said the 7-footer, who shuffled in and out of the lineup last season because of fouls. “I’ve got to play smart and I’ve got to use body positioning and ... defensive principles to keep myself on the floor.”

He was called for four fouls Friday but enjoyed his most productive game of the preseason with 14 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes in helping the Lakers to a 109-93 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.