Harris Seeks Pressure on Perimeter

The offense isn’t the only part of the Lakers needing a shove. Coach Del Harris wants his defenders on the perimeter to take advantage of having two shot-blockers, Shaquille O’Neal and Elden Campbell, behind them as safety nets and gamble more for steals.

“You don’t have to lead the league in steals to win,” Harris said. “But you can get some cheap baskets that way, and I like it.

“We’ve been too conservative, and that’s not our plan. But you don’t see people stepping up into the passing lanes. Yet we’re still getting beat--even though we’re not taking a lot of chances, we’re still getting beat one on one.”

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So the Lakers beat the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

So what? says Charles Barkley.

“They’ve got a good team,” Barkley said. “But my major concern is Seattle, to be honest with you.”