LAKERS NOTEBOOK: LAKERS FIND NEW HOME TAKES BIG ADJUSTMENT.

Byline: Howard Beck Daily News Staff Writer

A red and white ``Clippers'' logo was scrawled across midcourt and the basket standards also belonged to the building's other NBA tenant, but the Lakers nevertheless got acquainted with their new home for the first time Wednesday. Several airballs ensued.

The immense height and depth of the Staples Center played tricks on the eyes. The rims and backboards, borrowed from the Clippers, were unfamiliar. But the Lakers mostly liked what they saw, even if it will take time to get used to.

``I don't think we missed every shot we took today,'' quipped Rick Fox, ``so that's a good sign, considering some of us have been missing every shot we've taken the last week.''

Fox's main impression? ``It's pretty big.''

There won't be much time to get comfortable, either. The Lakers won't play at Staples again until a shootaround Nov. 3, just hours before their home opener against Vancouver.

Coach Phil Jackson would have liked more practices or an exhibition game or two in the new arena but said the Lakers will adjust over time. Jackson's Chicago Bulls had a similar experience when they moved in 1994 from Chicago Stadium to United Center - a building he likened to Staples.

``There are a few things that you have to get used to on a floor like this, but this is a beautiful place to play and people are going to enjoy it,'' he said. ``It probably took us a full year to get used to the United Center. Of course, we lost a couple players that would have helped us acclimate to that. But we never did shoot a percentage that was high in the building. It was a difficult place to actually play in, and I still think that it contributes to probably a lower shooting percentage than normal.''

Power outage: Robert Horry's stint as starting power forward Tuesday night produced some decent defense but little offense, and Jackson still isn't sure who will start in the season opener Tuesday at Utah.

``We're not getting any productivity out of that position, and that hurts,'' he said.

General manager Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers continue to search for a viable starting power forward, either through trade or free-agent signing.

``I don't think it's any secret that we're a little thin up front,'' Kupchak said. ``Our frontcourt is an area that we'll continue to look at ways to improve.''

According to a report out of Orlando, the Lakers have inquired about 35-year-old Magic veteran Armon Gilliam.

Nice for Rice: Glen Rice's 21-point outburst Tuesday was his best of the exhibition season, and he called it ``a big step forward'' in his adjustment to the triangle offense. Rice had been averaging just 8.2 points.

``I really have been trying to go out there and concentrate on running the plays,'' he said. ``I was a little more focused than normal, trying to make sure I got to my spots. It helps a great deal more when you've got guys that are really looking for the open man.''

Rice said he had been thinking too much and admitted, ``I was frustrated. I think that's a part of when you're learning a new offense. You want to find your niche in the offense.''

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2 photos

PHOTO (1) Rick Fox

(2) Robert Horry