What about a stop along the way -- like the Senate -- before trying to follow President Barack Obama's footsteps?

"No, straight to it," Jordan said.

Hmm, higher office or dealing with the likes of the Lakers' Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol tonight at Staples Center. Either way, "straight to it" might describe Jordan's approach.

But the Clippers rookie is being pushed into the NBA fray against the elite of the league, almost without training wheels. The 9-31 Clippers are woefully short-handed up front.

Big men?

How about big man? As in one veteran big man, Brian Skinner, which means Jordan has to get some significant playing time, Lakers or no Lakers.

"We're low on bigs -- with Zach [Randolph], Chris [Kaman] and M.C. [Marcus Camby] out," Jordan said. "So we have to step up because Marcus has been getting 20 rebounds a game. If we can't play to his level, then we have to play as hard as we can just to anchor it."

Camby, who suffered a sprained left ankle Saturday, will be out about 10 days to two weeks from when he suffered the injury, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

The injuries meant that Jordan received his first NBA start Monday against Minnesota. After a shaky start, he responded with 10 rebounds and six blocked shots, both of which were career highs.

"When I first got in the game, my adrenaline was pumping, so I'm breathing like . . . ," Jordan said, mimicking himself panting. "So I got tired quick in the game. He [Dunleavy] took me out and I slowed down my breathing. I went back in and I was fine."

The accelerated learning curve should pay off in the long run for Jordan, formerly of Texas A&M, even though the short-term scenario is painful for the Clippers.

"The situation -- where I'm getting a lot of playing time -- isn't good for our team. But at the same time it's giving me some experience, so I'll be ready when the guys come back," Jordan said.

Etc.

It's difficult trying to pinpoint the return dates of Baron Davis (bruised tailbone) and Randolph (bruised left knee), but there is added interest because there are upcoming games against their respective former teams.

Dunleavy wasn't sure whether Davis would be ready for Sunday's game against Golden State. Dunleavy said the timetable for Randolph's return is probably under two weeks. The Clippers play host to Portland on Monday.

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lisa.dillman@latimes.com