DENVER - The Lakers have been concerned about the play of Vladimir Radmanovic and wonder about his confidence.

Radmanovic had just five points Saturday in Game 3, missing 7 of 9 shots. He's shooting 32 percent in the series.

Coach Phil Jackson said Radmanovic has put in extra time on the court to work on his rhythm, because the Lakers need his outside shooting. He's just 5 for 14 on threes.

"We really worked with him trying to build his confidence back up, (talking) about how important he is to that (starting) unit," Jackson said. "Extend the court, hit three-pointers, make teams pay when they get into a zone ...

"He'll get it back. He's one of those kind of guys that misses a game or so and you wonder where he's gone, and then he comes back and proves that he can help us out a lot."

Radmanovic did have seven rebounds Saturday and insisted "I'm doing good."

"I'm just missing my shots," he said. "It's not about confidence or not having confidence."

The Lakers want more than scoring from Radmanovic.

"Vladdy has to improve a little bit on his defense," Jackson said.

Walton Hot at Best Time

It wasn't the best regular season for Luke Walton. Injuries robbed him of his health, especially a nagging right ankle injury.

But Walton is healthy now and has been the Lakers' third-leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 16.3 points.

"It's always a lot easier to play when your body feels good," said Walton, who's shooting 68.4 percent in the series. "I felt like I've been playing better towards the end off the year. Now it's really an important time. I feel good about my game, I feel good about our team's game and like the way it's going."

Walton admitted he's not 100 percent but is "close to it."

"Physically, he's capable of doing more," Jackson said. "Speed, his foot, his ankle, those things that bothered (him) in the past are doing much better. You can see he's got lift and he's popping right up for his shot, which is important."

Walton's assignment has been to defend Carmelo Anthony, and Walton hasn't backed down.

"He's done as good of a job as you can do, I think, on Carmelo," Jackson said of the Nuggets star, who's shooting 41.3 percent in the series. "He gives up some pounds and weight. But he's done a good job."

Spring is in the Air

When Jackson sat at the podium for his pregame interview session, he had his face in his hands and looked bored.

Until someone asked about the snow flurries here.

"Spring time in the Rockies. Haven't I been singing that song to you?" he said.

http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/lak ... 6ff60.html

Good find. Hopefully Radman gets back into his groove and starts knocking down shots when he needs to, especially when we play against a zone defense. As for Walton, he's doing great. His game is similar to the game he had in the beginning of 06-07

Vlad Won't Be Benched

Coach Phil Jackson spoke with Vladimir Radmanovic before Saturday's Game 3 and asked his starting small forward to be more assertive.

What Jackson got was five points from Radmanovic on 2-for-9 shooting.

Something just didn't click.

"I told him after the game that as a coach you hate to see talented players not play up to their ability," Jackson said. "It's my job to try and get you to play up to your ability. Vladdy, in his normal way said, 'We'll talk about it in our exiting meetings at the end of the season.' That just shows me where his head is at a lot of times."

Nevertheless, Jackson said he will continue to start Radmanovic at small forward, despite how well Walton has played.

"Vladdy, when he plays at a level he's capable of playing, he can be a decision-maker in a ballgame," Jackson said.

Ariza Update

Trevor Ariza, out with a fractured right foot, will have another CT scan in about two weeks.

Jackson said Ariza, a tough wing defender, has been cleared for some activity but not any contact drills.

Reach Broderick Turner at bturner@PE.com

http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/lak ... 17f25.html

rad man is the ish nobody belives me but he has so much to offer

he will come into effect when we see boston