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Marion likely to make Heat debut vs Lakers

Feb 10, 2008 - 2:47 PM LA Lakers (32-17) at Miami (9-39) 3:30 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Newly acquired forward Shawn Marion hopes his skills can get the Miami Heat back on the right track.

Marion is expected to make his debut with the Heat when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Marion and point guard Marcus Banks were acquired by the Heat from the Phoenix Suns for 14-time All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal this week.

The 6-7 Marion, who averaged 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds through 47 games with Phoenix this season, brings loads of experience and leadership to the Heat, who have just one win since Christmas.

With Marion in the fold, Miami should get more production from its players who are more suited for an up-tempo offensive attack instead of the plodding style which catered to O'Neal.

"We're going to turn this around as fast as we can," Heat coach Pat Riley said. "Whatever style it takes to win, that's what it's going to take. But always, with me, it starts with hard work and conditioning, defense and rebounding, and then let's go. That'll get you out into the open court."

The key to Miami's success will be in the hands of Marion and All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, whose familiar with the high-flying forward as both have played with Team USA in the past.

While Miami tries to jell with its new pieces, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers enjoyed their new acquisition, center Pau Gasol.

On Friday, Bryant scored 36 points and Gasol contributed 30 and nine rebounds to lift the Lakers to a 117-113 victory over the Orlando Magic.

The 7-foot Gasol came over from the Memphis Grizzlies last week and is averaging 22.0 points and 9.3 boards in his three games with Los Angeles since the deal.