Fisher Finding Comfort Zone

A talk about improved shot selection with Coach Del Harris continues to make an impact with Derek Fisher, who by making five of seven shots Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers was one of the few Lakers to have any success.

He has made 11 of 17 shots the last three games.

Just as significant, the backup point guard has made one of four on three-point shots in that same span. He isn’t looking for as many shots behind the line, which was a major problem when his shooting dipped to 38.1% before the talk.

Fisher already has proved valuable as a ballhandler. The Lakers are No. 1 in the league in assists with him playing substantial minutes behind Nick Van Exel. Fisher concedes he was looking too much for three-point shots to prove his off-season work had paid off. Harris, though, encouraged him not to worry so much about that and concentrate instead on medium-range jump shots and penetrating, the latter of which Fisher does well.

“I think I’ve been taking my shots,” Fisher said. “Early in the year, after I’d worked so much in the summer on my shooting, I thought I could make so many of those shots.

“Now, I’m doing a good job after learning what my limitations are. Now, I’m not worrying so much about the ‘threes’ because I’m doing so well inside the line.”

TONIGHT at Portland

* 7

* Channel 9

Site--Rose Garden.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Lakers 15-3, Trail Blazers 11-6.

Record vs. Trail Blazers (1996-97)--1-3.

Update--A matchup between the two highest-scoring backcourts in the league appears unlikely because the Trail Blazers will probably be without Kenny Anderson, who has been bothered by a deep thigh bruise. With John Crotty on the injured list, they have been forced to go with second-round pick Alvin Williams and CBA claimer Rick Brunson at point guard, Williams as the starter.