The Lakers committed $18.45 million to Devean George last summer, and they soon will come to terms with the wisdom of that investment.

For better or worse, George is now the team's starting small forward, the result of a season-ending foot injury to Rick Fox. And his ability to handle the pressure of playing in his hometown might well determine whether the Lakers can fend off the Minnesota Timberwolves and advance past the first round of the playoffs.