LACK OF PRACTICE CONTRIBUTED TO `SLUMP'.

Byline: Jim Cleamons 

Some people might feel we are in a slump after losing two games last week.

The thing we're looking at is we had a lot of games. We played 10 games from Jan. 4 to Jan. 19. On one hand, we had fatigue, and we didn't get a lot of practice time.

You get what we as coaches refer to as ``slippage.'' Things that have not yet become bad habits creep their way back into players' games, because we haven't practiced to work on things.

The loss to Seattle, that was to be expected. After they blew a 19-point lead against us up there, they were going to come here and play hard. It's hard to sweep a team back-to-back, let alone beat them all four times in a season.

They had two days rest and were sitting here in L.A. waiting for us with revenge in their hearts, while we were playing in the Midwest. As for Indiana, it had an 11-game winning streak at home and really answered the bell.

We didn't have a lot of energy in those losses, and it was due to the schedule. Every team has two or three times a year where they get down because of the schedule, and to lose only two games is not bad.

Besides, you don't want to be peaking in January. We want to be peaking in late May or early June hopefully. A few bumps on the road aren't bad.

Among the things we have to recognize is that teams are going to give their best effort against us. We're running around with a bull's-eye on our chest, and we can't get caught.

We don't think we're as good as our record is, because we haven't really done anything yet. We have a lot to do before we're worthy of the praise people are heaping on us.

Roles are still being determined. We know as a coaching staff the majority of shots are going to be taken by Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Glen Rice.

But you just don't stick Ron Harper and A.C. Green out there saying, ``don't shoot.''

We want everyone to feel they can make a contribution even if they are not scoring points.

We recognize they all have egos or a lot of them wouldn't be where they are today. But now we're at the level where everyone can score. You need to see if guys are willing to take whatever role is required for success.

The reserves are vital for us. Robert Horry was a starter and is accepting his role. Rick Fox has proven he can be a scorer in this league but has accepted scoring less points. Brian Shaw does a good job whenever his number is called.

Derek Fisher proved he can start and has become the third guard and excelled. Travis Knight is playing better in his short minutes.

John Salley has shown he can play five minutes a game.

We're learning what it takes to be competitive night in and night out.

The schedule has been favorable, but after the All-Star break, we have a lot of road games. As much as we talk about the starting five, it's important to develop chemistry with the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth players.

You want to grow your bench, and you want guys to feel good about themselves.

A lot of guys want to do it all. They don't understand how to play collectively. That's the only way to win championships.

Coming down the stretch, teams will scout us and roles may change. All of a sudden, A.C. Green, who doesn't get a lot of shots, teams may lay off him and he may need to be ready to handle the ball.

We want to make sure everyone on this team is ready to contribute as the season progresses.

--Question of the week: Alex Rivera of Duarte asked if there were any books where he could get information on the triangle offense?

--Answer: Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter, who popularized the triangle offense, has a book available entitled, ``The Triple Post Offense.'' Those interested can contact Brian Winter at [phone]. Or write him at 1810 Todd Road, Manhattan Kan., 66502. Or e-mail at abwinter(at)kansas.net.

The book costs $30.

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