Jeffries Rebounds, Sparks Washington's Run

The Washington Wizards are 3-0 since Coach Eddie Jordan decided to go with a starting lineup that comprises Caron Butler, Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood and Jared Jeffries.

The change has most affected Butler, whose scoring touch and big body have changed the Wizards' look on both ends of the floor, and Jeffries, who has turned into a rebounding machine since shifting to guard.

In the past three games, Jeffries has had 25 rebounds, 10 assists scored 27 points. Jeffries has made his greatest impact with his offensive rebounding, where he has totaled 13 rebounds after totaling that same number in the previous nine games.

Jeffries's ability to keep possessions alive will be key on a team where Arenas, Butler and Jamison are going to take a lot of jump shots.

Following Monday's game, Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant said he didn't notice a major change in the Wizards from the Dec. 16 meeting in Los Angeles, when Butler was still coming off the bench. The all-star did, however, praise his former teammate.

"Caron provides energy for them," Bryant said. "I played with him last year so I know what he's about. He's real effective offensively; he can do a lot of things. I'm happy for him because he's doing well [with the Wizards]. That's my guy and I couldn't be prouder of him."

Hayes Remains Out

Injured guard Jarvis Hayes is still weighing whether to undergo surgery to repair his fractured right kneecap and is listed as out "indefinitely."