LAKERS NOTEBOOK: DIVAC REFLECTS ON KINGS.

Byline: Ross Siler Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO - For a guy who spent two months sidelined with an ailing back, missing six weeks of practice and the entire exhibition season, Lakers center Vlade Divac never has had a healthier wit.

Asked Thursday how Peja Stojakovic - Divac's close friend, fellow Serb and teammate for six seasons with the Sacramento Kings - was faring without him, Divac quipped: ``He's got his wife, kids ... he doesn't need me.''

He later said, jokingly, of his decision to sign in July with the Lakers: ``I was just tired of (Stojakovic). ... Obviously, it's an adjustment. I spent a lot of time with him on the road. Probably more time with him than my wife.

``But now I got Sasha,'' he added, referring to Lakers rookie Sasha Vujacic, the Slovenian guard some 16 years his junior. ``A new kid.''

The conversation was prompted by a discussion about Divac's impending return next week. The Lakers have been reluctant to set a target date for Divac's first game, but the NBA schedule-maker might have done it for them.

Divac said he is planning to play next Friday night when the Lakers and Kings meet in their first showdown of the season at Staples Center. It could be Divac's return, should he sit out Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The pain caused by a herniated disc in Divac's back has been eased, but there will be plenty of mixed feelings when the 36-year-old center plays against the Kings, who chose not to re-sign him last summer.

``Some people up there, here, they hate each other,'' Divac said. ``But I can't hate anyone because I had great years up there. I made good friends. The same thing happened when I played for Sacramento against the Lakers. I'm kind of neutral.''

Divac, who started his career with the Lakers, practiced Monday for the first time this season Monday. He said he has watched the Kings play several times in the past month and still speaks frequently with Stojakovic.

--Taking a shot: Kobe Bryant offered a small swipe at his critics Thursday when the subject of his passing was brought up after practice.

Bryant took only four shots in the first half of Wednesday's victory over the Clippers but had eight assists. He set up Luke Walton, Brian Cook and Chucky Atkins for two jumpers apiece as the Clippers aggressively double-teamed him.

``I've always done that,'' Bryant said. ``It's just how people interpret it out here. Last year, I do it in the first half and they say I'm sabotaging. I do it this season to start the game, I don't take a shot, and it's, 'Wow, it's great leadership.' It's all how you view it.''

Bryant was referring to the Lakers' 102-85 loss to Sacramento last April 11, in which he took only one first-half shot and was criticized afterward for sabotaging the game.

--More rest: Bryant sat out practice Thursday, the third time this week, to rest his sore left foot. He played 45 minutes Wednesday night, including all 24 in the second half, despite suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Bryant said he is progressing with the injury and will play tonight against the Phoenix Suns, who average a league-high 106 points per game and will put Bryant's foot to the test in a fast-paced game.

--The force: The first battle for Luke Walton this season was recovering from a stubborn ankle injury in training camp. The second battle was finding playing time on a Lakers team loaded with small forwards.

He appears to have won on both counts, at least after Wednesday, when Walton was on the floor for the eight decisive minutes of the fourth quarter. Walton finished with 5 points, four assists and three rebounds.

``There's a ton of talented small forwards on this team,'' said Walton, who has seen an increased role with Jumaine Jones on the injured list. ``You've just got to go out and play every day and be ready for your opportunity.

Ross Siler, [phone]

ross.siler(at)dailynews.com

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- Ross Siler