Kaman Filling Gap With His Post Play

Although the Clippers would rather have power forward Elton Brand in the lineup, they’re still confident in their inside game because of the strong play of 7-foot center Chris Kaman.

Kaman has averaged 20 points as the team’s first post option while Brand has been sidelined the last two games because of a bruised right hip. Kaman matched his career high with 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Saturday’s 98-72 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics at Staples Center.

Without Brand and second-leading scorer Corey Maggette, out indefinitely with a left foot injury, the Clippers have turned to Kaman. After dropping nine of 12, the Clippers have won their last two games, and Kaman has been a big part of their improvement.

“Elton is out and Corey is out right now, so everyone has to step up,” said Kaman, who is averaging 10.7 points and 8.9 rebounds. “I’d rather if we had E.B. out there, but we just have to keep it together until we get those guys back.”

The third-year player has continued to develop as Coach Mike Dunleavy expected he would.

“He’s only doing what I always thought he would,” Dunleavy said. “I knew he was going to be able to do this. He was going to continue to get better. He has a better understanding of when to go [to the basket] and when not to go, that’s the biggest thing for him, the correct spacing, how to power people and how to protect the ball.

“All the things you work on, he’s getting better at all the time.”

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Brand practiced Sunday at the Spectrum health club in El Segundo, and Dunleavy said he was optimistic the team’s leading scorer and rebounder would play today against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.

“We didn’t do a whole lot today, but he was able to go up and down and get his work in,” Dunleavy said. “We’ll see. I thought he’d play against Seattle.”

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The Clippers are hopeful that free-agent guard Latrell Sprewell will join them for the remainder of the season, a team source said.

Clipper officials have had conversations with Sprewell, who apparently needs time to get into playing condition and consider his next move.

TODAY

vs. Utah, 12:30 p.m.

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 19-14, Jazz 19-18.

Record vs. Jazz (2004-05) -- 2-2.

Update -- Utah, which has won eight of its last 10, leads the Northwest Division. Power forward Mehmet Okur is averaging 17.7 points and 9.4 rebounds to lead the Jazz.