While the Sonics appear no closer to cementing a starting lineup for the Oct. 31 opener, coach P.J. Carlesimo is beginning to determine how he will use his most versatile players.

Kevin Durant will start Thursday at shooting guard and is likely to match up against Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant, who practiced Wednesday and is expected to play despite trade rumors. Carlesimo said early in training camp that Durant would begin his rookie season as the two-guard.

That leaves a gap at small forward, where Damien Wilkins, Wally Szczerbiak and Mickael Gelabale are vying for the starting spot and playing time. Wilkins will start Thursday, but Carlesimo warned not to take his preseason starting lineups as hints for the regular season.

Szczerbiak, entering his ninth season, has started nearly 77 percent of his NBA games, most of them at shooting guard. But Carlesimo said he views Szczerbiak as a small forward and would not hesitate to team the former Miami of Ohio standout with the rookie Durant.

"I'm way beyond that at this point in my career," Szczerbiak said when asked whether he would prefer to start. "I have accomplished a lot and made a lot of money, but right now it's about winning."