Powell making the adjustment

Lakers Blog: Josh Powell was signed as a free agent by the Lakers this past summer primarily to fill the function that former Laker forward Ronny Turiaf performed - rebound, play defense, be aggressive and bring boundless energy on both ends of the floor.

Turiaf, a restricted free agent this past summer, signed a four-year contract with the Golden State Warriors, that the Lakers declined to match.

It is the Lakers’ hopes that the 6-foot-9 Powell will make sure that Turiaf is not missed. So far, Powell has exhibited those qualities in practice. But Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Friday that Powell has not consistently transferred those attributes in the two exhibition games.

“Not in the games, no. In practices, yes,” Jackson said. “I think he needs to just be comfortable on the floor. (He) probably needs more playing time, than six minutes here and six minutes there. He needs a real dedicated run.”

It has to be a daunting challenge for Powell, who averaged 5.5 points and 5.1 rebounds, in 64 games last season with the Clippers. Powell’s one-year stint with the Clippers was his fourth NBA stop in only three years in the league.