Lakers to start Chris Kaman in place of Shawne Williams tonight

HOUSTON -- The Lakers will start Chris Kaman instead of Shawne Williams in an effort to match up better against a brawny Houston team Thursday.

Kaman will join Pau Gasol in the frontcourt against the Rockets, who start Dwight Howard and 7-footer Omer Asik.

“Obviously, it’s a big lineup we’re playing,” Kaman said. “I thought me and Pau played well [together] in the preseason.”

Jordan Hill, a source of energy for the Lakers down low, will come off the bench.

The lineup change is the second this season by Coach Mike D’Antoni, who made small forward Xavier Henry a starter in place of Nick Young after three games.

Another change is likely Friday against New Orleans, though it’s a planned one. Steve Nash said he didn’t expect to play against the Pelicans because of D’Antoni’s desire to sit him for a game in back-to-back situations.

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