Harper May Not Take Much of a Midseason Break

Closing in on his 37th birthday, in his 15th NBA season on his rickety knees, Ron Harper might skip the vacation this year.

This would have been an appropriate time for Harper’s annual in-season break, given the Lakers’ airy schedule. Dating to the Jan. 3 Utah game, the team is in the midst of a 19-day stretch in which they play five games, the minimum required on injured reserve.

Harper has remained active, however, averaging more than 24 minutes a game, although he did not start Sunday and was scoreless in 12 minutes. Laker Coach Phil Jackson has found periods of rest for Harper since their days in Chicago, a pattern that has kept Harper’s legs alive for the playoffs.

“I think he’s doing really remarkably,” Jackson said. “His legs got a little heavy last week, but I think he’s doing really well.”

Typically, Harper has played most of the first quarter, getting the triangle off and moving, then some of the third quarter and, depending on the score and Jackson’s comfort with the other guards, some of the fourth.

Told he might not get his vacation this year, Harper widened his eyes and, shouted, “What?” in mock horror. It might have been mock. Probably mock.

“I’m just going with the flow,” Harper said. “[Jackson] asked me if I needed some time off. I told him I feel real good. I said I’d do whatever they need to do. I’m just here surviving. I’m counting down, 48 more games.”

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The Lakers have lobbied the NBA to allow Mike Penberthy to participate in the NBA rookie game, which will be held over the All-Star weekend in February. The lineup will be announced Thursday.

The club also asked that Penberthy be considered for the three-point-shooting contest. That would appear to be a longshot. He is shooting 39.2% from the arc, 30th in the league and behind, among others, teammate Rick Fox.

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Derek Fisher walks around as if he could play. He dresses as if he’s about to play, or just got finished.

He just can’t yet. The stress fracture in his right foot is healing, but he is at least five weeks from playing and probably more.

“I’m not assuming anything I’m not supposed to, but I’m watching him,” Jackson said. “He’s moving a lot better and champing at the bit. He’s talking it up, but we’re really not counting on him until mid-March.”