LOS ANGELES (AP) Phil Jackson has the oft-squabbling Lakers all marching to the same drum.

A coach who employs unique methods to inspire and unite players, Jackson has added a bit of Native American tradition to the team's routine _ a drum beckoning the players to the court for practice.

``We have a drum that we call them in with in the morning, and I send different people out to drum the team in. It's a drum from a Native American tribe,'' Jackson said. ``I do it every game day.''

Maybe it's working.

The Lakers, who finally have all four of their stars healthy again, have won seven straight, including two lopsided wins in a row over top Western Conference opponents.

They beat Minnesota 90-73 Friday night after defeating Sacramento 115-91 on Wednesday.

Jackson, who grew up in North Dakota and is a student of Native American culture, explained his drum ritual.

``I usually send the assistant coaches, maybe a rookie, out to drum the team in and see what kind of beat they have,'' he said. ``There are a lot of guys who have never touched the drum.

``I do it when I think that it's time to bring it up a little bit. Today (Friday morning) there was a little more intensity in it. Sometimes we have guys that sound like they're drumming to a dirge instead of to a march or a battle call.''

The players, used to Jackson's handing out inspirational books and other such motivational moves, go along with it.

``That's his war drum,'' Kobe Bryant said. ``He says it gets your heart beating faster when you hear the drum. But you know Phil.''

Karl Malone heeds the beat.

``I guess you get what you want to get out of it, really. I was in the weight room, and I heard it, so I know what it means,'' Malone said. ``They've done it before, so you just kind of stay with the program.''

Bryant, who scored 35 points in the win over Minnesota, said the team chemistry is building now that everybody's healthy. He didn't mention the drum in that context, but possibly it played a role.

``It seemed like everybody was ready to play. I picked up some good vibes,'' he said after the decisive win over the Timberwolves.

And maybe the drum has a bonding effect. Even Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, who have had a sometimes stormy relationship, seem to be getting along fine.

O'Neal, who had 22 points and 18 rebounds against the Timberwolves, likes the way the team is playing, whatever the reason.

``We have been playing really good,'' he said. ``If we play like this, we should be right on our way.''

Bryant feels the same way.

``We're a confident bunch, so when we get into the playoffs, we have the confidence that we can beat anybody,'' he said.