Jordan Hill expected to be in Dallas despite bone bruise

Jordan Hill sat out practice Monday because of a sore right knee.

As the Lakers flew to Dallas to play the Mavericks on Tuesday, Hill remained behind for an MRI exam that revealed a bone bruise.

Hill was scheduled to travel to Dallas on Monday night and was still available to play against the Mavericks.

The athletic forward-center has been a difference maker for the Lakers in their two victories.

“He’s had a huge impact,” Pau Gasol said. “Even though it might not be perfect for the system and the spacing, his energy and effort makes up for a lot of things.”

Coach Mike D’Antoni said jokingly that Gasol wants Hill to play because he “does all the dirty work,” like boxing out and rebounding. He added that Hill can play only in short bursts.

“The longer the minutes, the [more tired] he gets, the less productive,” D’Antoni said. “He’s doing a great job. There’s no doubt and we’ll try to find him a few more minutes here and there.”

D’Antoni is still trying to balance the Lakers rotation that features three players he considers centers--Chris Kaman, Gasol and Hill. D’Antoni has been using 11 players, each playing relatively short stints.

“It’s awkward because everybody wants to play more minutes,” D’Antoni said. “If you can get one of those guys to say, ‘You know what, I’ll give my minutes for the other guy,’ then that’s fine, then we’ll go to a nine-man rotation.”

Hill is averaging 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds (including 3.3 on offense) in only 14 minutes per game.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.