Rivers ponders shuffle

CHICAGO -- Doc Rivers spent 10 minutes talking with Raef LaFrentz yesterday after practice, finding a quiet spot near midcourt at the Solheim Gymnasium on the campus of the Moody Bible Institute. The Celtics coach called it a discussion ''about the whole mind-set of the season and everything else." Apparently, Rivers was following up an earlier talk with LaFrentz in which he informed the veteran big man of a pending lineup change.

Before the Celtics departed for Toronto yesterday, Rivers said he most likely would replace LaFrentz with Kendrick Perkins in the starting lineup. Rivers wants to see what comes of playing youngsters Ryan Gomes and Perkins together at the beginning of games, particularly when it comes to defense. For the record, Rivers said the switch has little to do with the Celtics looking at life without a playoff berth. Rivers considered making the move for the game in Chicago Saturday night.

Another combination to come may be Perkins with LaFrentz. But Rivers worries about foul trouble with that pairing and would prefer to have Al Jefferson back in uniform when he tries it. If Perkins and LaFrentz collect personals without Jefferson available, the Celtics would be forced to play Gomes and Brian Scalabrine at power forward and center. That is a combination Rivers thinks opponents would enjoy.

Rivers does not expect Jefferson back until Friday against the Sixers. Rivers will have his first chance to look at Jefferson at the shootaround in Philadelphia that morning.

''It hurts with Al out," Rivers said. ''That's the one combination, the bigs, that I would tinker with in terms of Al and Raef, or Ryan and Perk.

''I like Perk because he's a defender, and starting the games out with a defensive presence by someone would be really nice. I'm not positive, but most likely I'll do that, Perk for Raef."

But don't misinterpret this move or any others in the final nine games of the season. Rivers said he is not preparing for next season, though he will try to find more minutes for Gerald Green and play Tony Allen at point guard as often as possible.

''Every change we make is more for the team's sake than next year," Rivers said. ''You don't know who's going to be here for next year. So why start doing things this year when next year you might have a trade? So, coach the team this year and get them in good habits."

To make changes for the next season, Rivers said, ''I think it's a bad message to send to a team because 'you're out of the playoffs.' "

So Rivers will try to strike a delicate balance with different combinations he believes will benefit the team now and later.

Still, Rivers will not play the kids just for the sake of giving them game experience. Unless trainer Ed Lacerte tells him he must, Rivers will not rest banged up and weary veterans Wally Szczerbiak and Paul Pierce (who was icing a sore right knee yesterday). The youngest players still must earn their minutes.

''I've heard that all year: 'Play the young guys,' " Rivers said. ''Well, the young guys aren't ready all the time. They have to learn how to be ready. We send such a bad message in this league with 'play the young guys, but let the young guys earn their spot.' "

Maybe next year.