The Points Are Coming in Buckets

The most impressive thing about the Lakers’ ability to put up big scoring numbers is that it comes while most other teams are struggling offensively. The Lakers’ league-leading 108.2 points a game is nearly six better than second-best Phoenix and about 13 better than the NBA average.

That, and the fact that it comes with Shaquille O’Neal having missed 10 games.

The Lakers have failed to break triple digits only five times, including Friday’s victory over the San Antonio Spurs, and they had 99 points in one of those games and 98 in another. By comparison, 24 of the league’s 29 teams were not even averaging 100 points heading into the weekend and six were at less than 92.

“That’s not easy to do, especially when nobody else wants to do it,” Coach Del Harris said of his team’s desire to play an up-tempo game.

Two big tests for the offense are ahead. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers are both in the top 10 in scoring defense. Adding to the challenge, the Lakers get them back-to-back, starting tonight at the Forum and concluding Monday in Oregon.

*

Tonight will be the ninth game O’Neal has missed because of an abdominal injury--a suspension cost him another appearance--and he will be sidelined for several more, but Harris said there are no regrets about not having already put O’Neal on the injured list to sign a replacement big man.

“We haven’t needed anybody,” the coach said. “We still haven’t had the chance to play Mario [Bennett] much at all and haven’t played Jon Barry enough. So, no, we haven’t needed anybody.”

It might have been different if a guard had gotten hurt--that would have created the opportunity for Shea Seals to come off the injured list. But with no center handy for what basically would have amounted to practice duty, the Lakers have instead gone with an 11-man roster for about two weeks.

TONIGHT

vs.

Cleveland

* 6:30

* Fox Sports

West

Site--Forum.

Radio--KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records--Lakers 15-2, Cavaliers 11-6.

Record vs. Cavaliers (1996-97)--1-1.

Update--The Cavaliers are still having trouble scoring, but it’s because of turnovers and poor shooting now and not the slowdown game. They come in on a seven-game winning streak, with five of the victories away from Gund Arena. Cleveland also has won four of its last six games in the Forum. The Lakers’ 15-2 record ties the 1985-86 squad for the best mark in team history after 17 games.