Bryon Russell soon will be a Laker, and if you ask Phil Jackson, which no one did, the 10-year veteran already is on board and ready for triangle training.

The news came as a slight surprise to media members Tuesday but even more of a surprise to Lakers officials, who could only chuckle and shake their heads at Jackson's inadvertent slip. Russell is not yet under contract, though he probably will be by the close of business today, pending the results of a physical examination.

An official announcement is expected, though Jackson pretty much took care of that already.

The Lakers' coach was bemoaning the new league rule that prevents veterans from reporting to training camp until the fourth day, noting his new players need to learn his system as soon as possible.

"The players that have the least experience on our team are the veterans -- the Gary Paytons and Bryon Russell and Karl Malone," Jackson said.

Uh, not so fast.

"We have not signed Bryon Russell. We're talking to him," general manager Mitch Kupchak said minutes later.

Russell, a former standout at Cal State Long Beach, would provide the Lakers with needed depth at small forward. Rick Fox, a starter for five of the past six seasons, is out until at least January after undergoing foot surgery. Devean George will start in Fox's place, but the Lakers have only rookie Luke Walton behind him. Kobe Bryant also can play small forward, but he is needed in the backcourt.

Russell's deal will be for one year at the veteran minimum, $1 million, and is only partially guaranteed. He will have to make an impression in the next four weeks to make the opening-night roster.