"You know," Sloan said, "it's amazing how conditioning can really help you — and I think he's a perfect example of that. He seems so much farther ahead."

Sloan has not spoken specifically with Okur about taking on a bigger role, but that is only because he feels no need.

"I think he knows that. I think he's willing to accept more responsibility, because he can handle it," he said. "You shy away from responsibility when you're not in great shape and you can't handle it.

"But he's stepped up to the plate and really been aggressive on everything we've done — so that's a pretty good indication he's ready to take on more and do more things."

On top of his primo physical condition, Okur's mind also seems to be a much-better place.

"As you can see, his emotional, his psychological, thinking (is) on a great level — because he's taking care of the team, he's trying to be involved in everything," Kirilenko said. "He's thinking about winning. That's important."

Okur confirms as much.

"Last year I come off the bench and tried to do my job out there," he said. "Some part I did, some part I don't."

This year, "It don't matter, starting lineup or coming off the bench. I'm going to try to do my job. If he lets me play in the starting first five, I'm playing 100 percent. Coming off the bench, I'm playing 100 percent. I don't care. It don't matter. I just want to go out there and play hard."

There is at least one voice, however, hoping Okur continues to be used as he has been so far in October.

It belongs to the only other Jazz player who has started in Utah's first four preseason games.

"I feel good playing with Memo," Kirilenko said. "When he's on the floor, he's helping me a lot. I feel it. I just feel like we've got a little connection. He's just using me, (and) I'm using him."

Like their own little Disney.

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Jazz vs. Lakers

WHERE: Arrowhead Pond; Anaheim, Calif.

WHEN: 8:30 p.m. (mountain time)

RADIO: KFNZ 1320-AM

TV: None

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com