GAME: Indiana Pacers (38-22) at Los Angeles Lakers (32-26).

TIME: Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. EST.

Phil Jackson likely won't know until just before gametime if he is ready to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers as they host the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center.

Jackson, who has been sidelined for three games since undergoing successful kidney stone removal surgery, did attend the Lakers' three-hour practice Monday, but declined to comment on when he would return to the bench.

In a published report, team spokesman John Black indicated that Jackson would likely make his decision by Wednesday before the Lakers take on the Pacers.

Jackson had coached 1,249 regular season and playoff games without missing one before his recent layoff. Assistant Jim Cleamons has guided the Lakers in his absence, helping Los Angeles to consecutive victories before Friday's 107-90 loss at Seattle.

Kobe Bryant scored 34 points, but made just 10-of-27 shots for the Lakers, who have won five straight at home dating to a 117-110 loss to New York on Feb. 16.

Los Angeles is seventh in the Western Conference playoff race, 1 games behind sixth-place Utah.

Pacers power forward Jemaine O'Neal rejoined the team in time for Tuesday's game at Golden State just three days after his father was hospitalized for shooting himself.

O'Neal scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds in 39 minutes, but could not prevent the struggling Pacers from suffering their sixth straight road loss in the opener of a four-game trip.

Indiana has lost seven of its last eight overall, but maintains a one-half game lead over Detroit for the top spot in the Central Division and the best overall record in the Eastern Conference.

STANDINGS: Pacers - 1st place, Central Division. Lakers - 3rd place, 8 GB, Pacific Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Pacers - F Al Harrington, F Jermaine O'Neal, C Brad Miller, G Reggie Miller, G Jamaal Tinsley. Lakers - F Rick Fox, F Robert Horry, C Shaquille O'Neal, G Bryant, G Derek Fisher.

TEAM LEADERS: Pacers - Jermaine O'Neal, 19.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg; Tinsley, 7.5 apg. Lakers - Bryant, 30.8 ppg and 6.2 apg; Shaquille O'Neal, 10.8 rpg.

SEASON SERIES: Lakers, 1-0.

LAST MEETING: Feb. 4; Lakers, 97-94. At Indiana, Bryant scored 35 points and Shaquille O'Neal added 19 points and 12 rebounds as Los Angeles reached .500 for the first time since early November. Jermaine O'Neal led the Pacers with 23 points and 20 boards.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Pacers - 13-18 on the road; Lakers - 21-10 at home.

INJURIES: Pacers - F Jonathan Bender (calf); G Fred Jones (knee). Lakers - G Jannero Pargo (knee).