Some Lakers are getting less playing time

The 7-0 Lakers are the last undefeated team in the NBA. They're drawing attention for their inspired defensive play, as well as their skillful second unit, which chips away at an opponent's lead or pads what the Lakers' starters have left behind.

Coach Phil Jackson's biggest change at the start of this season was turning starter Lamar Odom into the second unit's anchor. The biggest surprise has been the blossoming of forward Trevor Ariza, whose size and athleticism make him a dangerous defender off the bench.

Jackson basically uses a rotation of 10 players. That translates into a dramatic reduction in playing time for some players -- notably Luke Walton, who is averaging about 20 fewer minutes a game.

The reduced playing time could keep players' legs fresh for the playoffs and improve the team's chances of again playing its way into the NBA Finals.

Player                  Minutes per game this season;      MPG during 07-08 season

Kobe Bryant                      34.3                               38.9

Vladimir Radmanovic        22.6                               22.8

Pau Gasol                          34.7                                34.0

Andrew Bynum                 29.4                                28.8

Derek Fisher                     27.0                                27.4

Lamar Odom                     26.8                                37.9

Trevor Ariza                     22.5                                17.9

Sasha Vujacic                   13.6                                17.7

Jordan Farmar                  21.0                               20.6

Luke Walton                       3.7                               23.4

-- Barry Stavro

Photo: Los Angeles Lakers forwards Lamar Odom, left, and Trevor Ariza celebrate after Ariza scored the go-ahead dunk during the second half of a NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday in Dallas. Los Angeles won 106-99. Credit: Associate Press / Matt Slocum.