Fill-in Gomes is filling up stat sheet

LOS ANGELES -- Whether he wants to admit it or not, coach Doc Rivers soon may face a dilemma when it comes to Ryan Gomes.

The undersized (6 feet 7 inches) power forward has provided determination and rebounding since joining the starting lineup. Playing because of injures to Al Jefferson (sprained right ankle) and Kendrick Perkins (dislocated left shoulder), Gomes's minutes increased from 8.4 per game to 38.5. He entered last night's game against the Lakers at Staples Center averaging 8.8 rebounds as a starter, including a career-high 17 against Portland Friday night.

In the Celtics' 112-111 win over LA, Gomes had a career-high 19 points and 12 rebounds in 42 minutes.

''I'm just going out there and teammates are finding me in certain spots," said Gomes, who did an admirable job guarding the Lakers' 6-10 forward, Lamar Odom, most of the game. ''I just hit open shots, crashed the glass, and got some easy tip-ins and we were able to come out with a 'W.' "

But Gomes knows rebounding is still his calling card.

''I just go out there and do what I have a knack for, which is rebounding," he said. ''I know there's a lot of guys out there taller than me, but I try to use my quickness, try to get a body on them first. Then, hopefully, the ball bounces my way and I can beat them to it. I can't outjump those guys who are already taller than me.

''No matter where the shot's going up from and what side I'm on, I try to anticipate where it's going to come off. It's been working for me for some years now, so I'm just going to try to anticipate and get it."

But all his recent success apparently does not guarantee Gomes a place in the starting lineup, or even big minutes, when Jefferson and Perkins come back. When asked if Gomes's play has made him think about keeping the rookie in a starting role, Rivers said, ''I don't know that. I don't get into that kind of stuff. We'll see how that works out when it comes. We need size. So, we'll see."

Gomes has said he will accept any role. He will play power forward, small forward, as a starter, or off the bench as long as he doesn't return to the inactive list, where he was for 10 games this season.

''I'm enjoying [the starting role]," said Gomes. ''I'm trying to collect wins and try to hold down the fort until Perkins and Jefferson get back, because they should be back any day now. When they get back, I'll just try to help them out. Hopefully, I'll still be getting minutes. I don't know if I'll be starting, but, hopefully, I get minutes and fit in with those guys and continue doing the things I've been doing since they've been out."

Jefferson went through a rigorous workout with strength and conditioning coach Walter Norton Jr. Saturday. Then he was barely able to walk yesterday. Neither Jefferson nor Perkins played during the trip, though Rivers had known that was the most likely scenario. Perkins will be examined by team physician Brian McKeon this afternoon. According to Rivers, both players could return Friday against Indiana.

''It's coming," said Jefferson, who noted the ankle is painful, swollen, and weak. ''I really don't know [when I'll be back]. It's really frustrating. Somedays I get up and feel real good and I'm ready to go. Then I'll get out there and try. It's not what I expected. It's a slow process. I'm shooting for Friday's game. That was the long-term goal in the first place."

Zen Master Phil Jackson offered his thoughts on a few Celtics-related subjects. The Lakers coach on the Wally Szczerbiak trade: ''With [the trade], they're strong at the two and three. They were with Ricky Davis before, but it gives them a little bigger player. [Paul] Pierce and Szczerbiak are both forwards that can go in the post. They have a little different game. They can score offensively, if you're not prepared to play them." On Pierce: ''He's leading his team in all categories, rebounding, assists, 3-point baskets, scoring. That's a pretty big deal. Just three or four years ago, people talk about him being a great scorer, but he didn't have the ability to help his teammates. Now, he's shown that [he can]." On the diminished importance of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry: ''It's not just another game for these two teams. There's still numbers of Lakers fans that it means something to. And there are people that are residents of LA that when Boston comes to town, it still means something for them to put their green on and come to the Staples."