Lakers Practice Report: 10/06/09

“It will probably be Lamar coming off the bench, that’s the way I anticipate it, but we’ll see what goes down,” said Jackson.

D.J. Mbenga, the seven-footer often charged with guarding Bynum in practice, had missed five consecutive days of practice due to malalignment of his hips and hip flexors, but returned to the floor on Tuesday.

As is his custom, Jackson did not specifically address the lineup he’d put out for the Lakers, but mentioned the presence of Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant in the backcourt, and has previously referenced Ron Artest and Pau Gasol’s place in the starting frontcourt alongside Bynum.

Fisher, meanwhile, told assembled reporters that he’s feeling great physically, and that he isn’t even thinking about retirement anytime soon. His focus remains on helping the team as much as possible on the floor in as many minutes as he can earn.

“I like that attitude from Derek,” Jackson said of the point guard who hasn’t missed a game due to injury in four straight seasons (and six of seven). “He’s vintage, he’s getting better with age.”

“Getting better” was a phrase Jackson extended to Adam Morrison, who apparently hasn’t lost a bit of the Summer League form that saw him average over 20 points a game.

“He’s played really well, he’s shot the ball really well,” said Jackson, who added that Morrison has a legitimate chance of earning minutes. “His defense and size at that small forward still remain an issue, perhaps, but he’s really shown that he can shoot the shots and been the best shooter that we’ve had so far besides (Fisher).”

In closing, Jackson mentioned that as expected, reserve players like Morrison, Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Shannon Brown and Josh Powell will get a lot of minutes during the preseason: “It’s important for guys to develop confidence and (establish) a comfort zone.”