Fox Says He’ll Play Behind Bryant

Before it could get discussed or exaggerated even more, Rick Fox on Wednesday short-circuited any potential lineup tension by volunteering to be the Lakers’ permanent sixth man and cede the starting small forward spot to Kobe Bryant.

Fox, who started all 82 games last season, said the team has been surrounded by too many rumors of player rivalries to do it any other way.

“I refuse to listen to it any more,” said Fox, who said friends have been asking about a presumed controversy between him and Bryant. “That’s why I brought it up. I perceive myself as coming off the bench this year and I’m going to do the best job possible. . . . I don’t want to be a distraction.”

Coach Del Harris has refused to name a starter at the spot, but, with Fox battling foot injuries, Bryant has started every game and flourished.

“I’m the sixth man. Leave it at that. Put that to rest, nobody talk about it ever again,” Fox said. “I’m the guy that comes off the bench. . . . Del’s letting it go, so I’m putting an end to it. . . .

“I’m settling it now. I’m tired of hearing that I have a problem with Kobe or Eddie [Jones].”

Fox said he has been surprised, after a relatively calm ride last season, that fans around the nation seem to perceive splits among the Lakers this season.

“I find that disturbing,” Fox said. “Somebody thought Kobe and Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal] had a beef, somebody thought me and Kobe had a beef. Is that what everybody looks for when they watch a game?”

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Rookie guard Sam Jacobson broke his left ring finger during pregame warmups, the team announced after the game. He is certain to be put on the injured list Friday when teams must cut down from 14 to 12.