Fisher Working to Find His Shot

Joined only by a friend to retrieve the rebounds, Derek Fisher spent an intense hour late Friday night on the floor at Staples Center after the Lakers’ loss to Houston, pumping up more than 100 jump shots.

“Just trying to work off some steam,” Fisher said Saturday, after the Lakers’ practice at the Great Western Forum. “The best way to let off stress is a good workout. . .

“We’ve not really had many opportunities to just really shoot in the building. And I haven’t really shot the ball well at all [at Staples] especially, but the past three or four games.”

After a sharp exhibition season, Fisher has struggled with his jump shot in the first seven games (shooting only 29.6% from the field), and more noticeably on his home court.

“The depth perception is really different,” Fisher said. “I could really tell coming in [to the Forum] today and practicing, how much more natural it feels than when we’re in there. But you can’t allow that to defeat you mentally.

“You have to go in there and keep plugging away. I feel a lot better after shooting [Friday] night after the game.”

After his team made 33.7% of its field-goal tries Friday, Laker Coach Phil Jackson couldn’t help but notice the difference when his players returned to the Forum.

“Guys sure shot good here,” Jackson said. “I think the orange and yellow seats must’ve kind of resonated with them or something.”

TONIGHT

vs. Atlanta, 6:30

Fox Sports West

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 5-2, Hawks 1-5.

* Record vs. Hawks (1999)--Did not play.

* Update--After serving his one-game suspension, Shaquille O’Neal, who spent about 30 minutes after practice Saturday shooting free throws, returns to action, just in time to match up against Atlanta’s Dikembe Mutombo. “It was hard watching my guys sweat it out by themselves,” O’Neal said of watching the Rocket game on television. “But we’ll be OK. I think [today’s] game will be a little bit different.”

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.