LOS ANGELES - Phil Jackson wasted little time revealing Vladimir Radmanovic was his choice to replace Luke Walton in Tuesday's starting lineup. As for the rationale behind that decision, the Lakers coach was a tad less forthcoming.

Asked why he opted to start Radmanovic, Jackson said, "Because he's the best choice." Asked why Radmanovic was the best choice, Jackson chuckled and responded, "Because I said so."

A right foot injury that will sideline Walton for the next two weeks forced Jackson to reassess how to divide minutes at the small forward spot. Jackson started Trevor Ariza on Sunday against Portland, but returned him to his preferred role two nights later as a spark off the bench.

The opportunity to start was a relief for Radmanovic, who had logged double-digit minutes only five times since Jackson yanked him from the lineup on Dec. 10 in hopes Walton's passing and vision would jump-start the offense. Radmanovic admitted Friday night the lack of playing time was "frustrating" and that "going from starting and playing decently to not playing at all, it's still something I'm trying to figure out."

"He hasn't handled it very well, but I think he's come out of it OK," Jackson said. "It was very difficult for him. The reasoning and rationale behind it, from a personal standpoint, I think it was hard for him to figure out."

Radmanovic played 23 minutes against New Orleans on Tuesday, scoring just three points on 1-for-7 shooting. It was not the kind of performance Radmanovic was hoping for, though he should continue to see more playing time with Lamar Odom in limbo after hyper-extending his right knee.

"I wasn't in a rhythm tonight," Radmanovic said. "Lamar's a big part of our team, so I hope it's nothing serious. Obviously if he's out, somebody has to step up. Might be me, might be Josh Powell. We'll see."

REASON FOR CONCERN

Powell's newborn daughter is in the hospital as a result of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus that causes flu-like symptoms in adults but can lead to other, more serious illnesses in infants.

Hayden Powell was born in New Orleans on Dec. 23, just minutes after the Lakers-Hornets game that night.

Kobe's impressed

Chris Paul had of 15 the Hornets' 17 assists, a feat that amazed Kobe Bryant.

"I've never seen another player do that before," Bryant said.

Reach Jeff Eisenberg at 951-368-9357 or jeisenberg@PE.com