Van Exel Will Continue Substitute Role

Lakers coach Del Harris and point guard Nick Van Exel are once again at a standoff. But this time, it’s a happy, peaceful sort of stalemate.

On Wednesday, Harris said he won’t start Van Exel until the point guard says he is ready. Van Exel - physically ready but content to let Derek Fisher’s successful run as starter continue - won’t ask his coach to return him to the starting lineup.

“If I become a starter again, it will probably be because Del told me to start,” Van Exel said Thursday. “I don’t think I’m gonna go to him and say, ‘I want to start.’ I don’t really think that’s important.”

Van Exel, enjoying his first All-Star season before knee problems sidelined him from Feb. 15 through March 14, said he is enjoying his new role as bench player.