Small forward job is overlooked

A few minutes after the Lakers finishing drubbing Indiana on Sunday for the second time this season, Pacers Coach Jim O’Brien was asked what made the Lakers’ starting unit difficult to defend.

His answer, though complimentary, left one thing missing -- a small forward.

Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom are what make “their starting lineup so difficult to guard,” he said Sunday.

The Lakers’ small forward position is often overlooked this season, with Luke Walton starting most recently in place of Trevor Ariza.

Walton seemed to rediscover part of his game in the Lakers’ 112-96 victory over Indiana. He had 10 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while making both of his three-point attempts. He scored his final point on a free throw in the last minute of play, which moved the Lakers to 7-0 when all five starters score in double figures.

Walton, who signed a six-year, $30-million contract in July to stay with the Lakers, had been limited because of ankle problems that kept him sidelined four games.

“He’s really coming back off an injury that is limiting him to what he can do,” Coach Phil Jackson said. “We have him out there because he’s knowledgeable about what we do and keeps everybody fluid in the offense.”

Just the same, Jackson said he would keep an open mind at small forward on a game-by-game basis. In fact, there might be a new starter tonight.

“I’m tempted to start [Ariza] against Memphis because Rudy Gay is such an athlete and is playing at a high level right now,” Jackson said. “Trevor might have more knowledge of him than Luke.”

Ariza is considered more of a defensive-minded player, while Walton has a passer’s touch and a more dependable outside shot.

Walton, who started 14 of the 28 games he had played, tilted toward staying in the starting lineup.

“When [Jackson] was playing me off the bench, I don’t think I was being as productive as I am when I was starting,” he said. “I like both the roles, so whatever he wants to do with me, I’m all for it.”

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After watching Bynum average 20 points and 11.5 rebounds in two games against Indiana, O’Brien praised the Lakers’ front office for not trading the center during the off-season.

Indiana wanted Bynum and Odom for six-time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal, but the Lakers declined the offer.

“My hat is off to Mitch Kupchak for not making a move,” O’Brien said. “He saw what he had. [Bynum] is just a terrific talent and a huge presence inside. . . . He seemed like he’s 8 feet tall to me. His development is a credit to him, their staff and the whole organization.”

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The goal for the Lakers’ quick trip to Memphis and New Orleans? Win one for sure, but be in position to take two. “You want to go out and win a ballgame on this road trip and you want to be able to challenge for both,” Jackson said.

TONIGHT

at Memphis, 5, Channel 9

Site -- FedEx Forum.

Radio -- 570; 1330.

Records -- Lakers 21-11; Grizzlies 10-23.

Record vs. Grizzlies (2006-07) -- 2-2.

Update -- The Grizzlies were the league’s worst team last season (22-60), but they have improved somewhat thanks to the emergence of second-year forward Rudy Gay, who is averaging a team-high 19.4 points a game. Rookie Mike Conley starts at point guard for the Grizzlies, who have won two of their last three games and narrowly lost to Boston on Friday, 100-96.

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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com