LAKERS TONIGHT

Opponent--Houston Rockets.

Site--Forum.

Time--7:30.

TV--Fox Sports West.

Radio--KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records--Lakers 40-19, Rockets 40-20.

Record vs. Rockets--1-2.

Laker update--They were among the 10 best shooting teams in the league about three weeks ago, but have fallen into the mid-teens without Shaquille O’Neal and his 56.3% mark. The Lakers have slumped to 42.3% the last six games, down from the seasonlong 45.5%, and have broken 43% only once. Their accuracy from the free-throw line, however, has improved to 78.9% in the same six games, up from the season-low 67.5%.

Rocket update--Sedale Threatt returns to face the Lakers after spending five seasons with them. He was signed as a free agent last week after Brent Price was lost for the season because of a torn knee ligament. Charles Barkley is questionable tonight because of the deep cut on his left hip that has already cost him two games.