CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: CLIPPERS WIN BUT DON'T GET TO THE POINT.

Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer

On Friday, the Clippers had another game in which they lacked production at point guard, and coach Mike Dunleavy was asked yet again what he plans to do at the position.

Finally, Dunleavy sounded as if he's had enough. He has called the point- guard spot a ``gaping hole'' on his team and is tired of answering the same questions about the position.

``It's fruitless to ask me every single day about the point guard,'' Dunleavy said. ``I mean I've expounded on the issue, other than it's a pretty open position and guys will get a chance to play and they'll make of it what they'll make of it.''

In Friday's 95-90 victory over Cleveland at Staples Center, Marko Jaric had two points and five fouls in 17 minutes and Keyon Dooling had six points in 19 minutes. Eddie House also played the point and had 12 points.

No matter which Clipper has played the point, the team has had problem at the position, and Dunleavy has no plans to name a starter soon.

``I'm going to take the full eight games,'' Dunleavy said.

The Clippers (2-3) have three more exhibition games, and it appears Dooling is the front-runner to start. But he has started only two games in his three NBA seasons.

When a reporter joked that maybe Dunleavy could play the point, he responded: ``I wish that was an opportunity. Believe me, I would if I could. If they need a designated shooter, I can play.''

--Simmons gets compliments: Bobby Simmons, who spent the past two seasons with the Washington Wizards, looks like a lock to make the roster. He also is in the running to get into the team's rotation.

Simmons has received numerous compliments from Dunleavy for his energy, defense and hard work. He came to camp with an endorsement from former Wizards coach Doug Collins, and he appears to have exceeded expectations.

Simmons also gives the Clippers' locker room even more of a Midwestern feel as the fourth Chicago native.

--Brand, Kaman sit: Elton Brand missed a second consecutive game with a sprained right ankle, and Chris Kaman missed his fourth with a left leg strain. Both likely will miss Sunday's game at Golden State.

--LeBron watch: LeBron James scored a team-high 16 points and was 5 of 14 in the Cavs' loss. The much-hyped rookie said veterans keep initiating him into the league. On the previous night, initiation included a couple of hard picks from the Lakers' Karl Malone.

``It was one of those `Welcome to the league' type of things,'' James said of the contact with Malone.

Added the 18-year-old: ``I couldn't have taken it two years ago. My heart would have fallen out.''

Joe Stevens, [phone]

joe.stevens(at)dailynews.com