Reaching Jackson’s Goal Will Be Tough

Long before last-minute losses and botched inbounds plays were enough for Phil Jackson to decree, somewhat jokingly, that the Lakers were trying to kill him, there was the hype and hope that accompanied his return.

Looking calm and relaxed after spending week after week at his lakefront Montana home, Jackson set a goal last September of 45 victories and a playoff appearance this season. He might get the latter, but the former will be difficult.

With 12 games left, the Lakers are 36-34, meaning they would have to go 9-3 the rest of the way to reach his goal.

“That would be tough,” Jackson said Wednesday.

He did, however, lay to rest the concept of eighth place being better than seventh for the Lakers.

If they finish eighth in the Western Conference, the Lakers probably play Dallas or San Antonio in the first round, teams they are a combined 3-3 against this season. If the Lakers finish seventh, they probably play the Phoenix Suns, against whom they are 0-2 this season, 0-6 since the Shaquille O’Neal trade.

Steve Nash gives them fits and Amare Stoudemire is set to return from knee surgery, but Jackson would still like at least 45 victories

“I’d really like to get to 46,” he said. “That would really make me feel a lot more secure. I’d like to get the seventh spot.”

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Rookie Andrew Bynum has had his share of rough moments, as most 18-year-olds tend to have in the NBA.

Jackson was not thrilled with Bynum’s play during the recent three-game trip.

“He was late, he was behind,” Jackson said. “He was not quite caught up to the action in these games. We’re trying to get him activated a little bit quicker in the games. I’d like to see him defensively establish himself out there. I think offensively he can do some things. He had a shot blocked in Boston by a guy 6-foot-8, and that was kind of embarrassing. There’s those little moments he’s going to have.”

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The Lakers recalled rookie Von Wafer from the Development League. Wafer averaged eight points on 33.3% shooting in eight games with the Fort Worth Flyers.... An MRI exam did not show any structural damage in the right ankle of center Chris Mihm. He is out until at least the first week of April because of a severe sprain.... Jackson, on the spotty playing time of Jim Jackson: “I’d like to see him get some time in practice situations so he gets comfortable and really free-flowing out there. We’ll get some opportunities here in the next two weeks.”