Additional Practice Yields Different Results

The scene plays out in some form at the end of Laker practices, sometimes simultaneously at opposite ends of the court. Derek Fisher works on his jump shot with his brother, Duane Washington, rebounding and firing passes to him. Bryon Russell takes jumper after jumper with his former college coach, Bob Thate, offering shooting tips.

“Straight up,” Thate keeps saying, reminding Russell to get a high launch on his shot.

Fisher and Russell consistently stay the longest of all the players after practice, but their vastly different results show how repetition does not always produce results.

Russell is shooting 43.6% and his 42.4% accuracy from three-point range ranks 12th in the NBA.

“I get my mechanics down here, and when I get in the game it’s just regular flow,” Russell said. “I make sure I have everything locked in while I’m working on my jump shot. It’s not how many you shoot, it’s how I shoot the ball correctly. When I get in the game, if I’m shooting it here correctly, it just follows over.”

Fisher’s shot also looks good at the training center. Proper form, good rotation, swish after swish. But he hasn’t been able to carry it to the NBA arenas.

He’s shooting 35.3% overall and 30.4% on three-pointers; both percentages are the lowest since his rookie season.

There’s a lot going through Fisher’s mind, more than simple reminders to follow through on his jumper.

He can opt out of his contract after the season. And after Fisher started every game last season, Gary Payton’s arrival in the summer moved him to the bench. Defenses can pay more attention to Fisher when Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant aren’t on the court with him.

The Lakers’ minimal execution of the triangle offense might affect Fisher more than anyone. The offense used to create shots for him, but now he must find his own.

“When you’re shooting the ball from the perimeter, there’s a certain rhythm and feel that you have to have,” Fisher said. “You can’t shoot the ball from 19, 20 feet without really being in rhythm. If our execution isn’t there the way it can be as a team, it affects everybody’s shooting percentage, not just mine.”

Fisher is coming off two of his better shooting games this season, making a combined eight of 14 shots against Boston and Seattle.

But you’ll still find him shooting shots in an empty gym, with Russell not too far away.

Sights

Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy, Denver General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe and San Antonio General Manager R.C. Buford chitchatting with Bryant’s agent, Rob Pelinka, Saturday at the Pangos Dream Classic at Pauley Pavilion.

All three teams are expected to pursue Bryant when he becomes a free agent.

Sounds

The clear dejection in Karl Malone’s voice the only day he addressed reporters last week. It has been two weeks since he sprained a ligament in his right knee and his return is not within sight.

“It’s a downer,” Malone said. “You want to be with the guys. It’s a lot different talking to the guys when you’re not out there with them.”

Faces in the Crowd

Serena Williams, Lance Armstrong, Sheryl Crow and Paul Anka vs. Boston on Dec. 28.

In a Word

“Doldrums.”

Phil Jackson’s description for O’Neal’s mood in December. O’Neal was fined for failing to notify the team when a bad back prevented him from showing up at practice Wednesday.