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Rockets' rookie forward Chase Budinger has been ruled out for tonight's game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a sprained left ankle he incurred toward the end of Monday's contest in Salt Lake City. The injury is not considered serious and Budinger will be listed as day-to-day going forward.

Tuesday head coach Rick Adelman indicated that he'd likely have to call on Carl Landry and/or Jermaine Taylor to step up in Budinger's absence. In Landry's case, that would mean sliding over and giving the team some minutes at the small forward position, something the third-year player out of Purdue says he's ready, willing and able to do.

"I feel comfortable at that position. I feel like I can guard a Lamar Odom or Ron Artest. I guarded Ron in practice last year and I'm used to guarding smaller fours, so I don't think it will be a problem.

"Offensively, I don't think it will effect me much. We run a system and I know where to be and where to go at the three-spot and, hey, it might even help me. I might be able to take advantage of a smaller guy that's on me and get some buckets under the hoop."

Taylor, meanwhile, is chomping at the bit to help his team as well. The rookie out of Central Florida has only logged one minute of floor time so far this season but he says he's confident he can get the job done if his name is called.

"I'm hoping I get that chance. I feel real comfortable. Even though I'm not playing, I've still learned a lot just by watching the way Trevor (Ariza) and Shane (Battier) defend, and the difference between a good shot and a bad shot."

Furthermore, Taylor says his mindset won't be adversely affected by having Kobe Bryant and the defending champion Lakers in town.

"I don't know if I'm supposed to feel a certain way but I just take it as just another regular game. Kobe Bryant, of course he's a great player but he wakes up in the morning and puts his clothes on the same way we do. I'm not afraid of anyone and never have been.

"I'm really confident. I'm used to being one of the best players on the floor. I know that's changed now but I still have that mindset. I don't get star-struck or feel like someone's that much better than me where I should be scared of going up against them."