AGENT: FOX WILL STAY WITH LAKERS.Byline: Howard Beck Daily News Staff WriterLockout lockout, intentional closing up of a company, factory, or shop by an employer to prevent employees from working during a strike or labor dispute. The term lockout limbo finally gave way to business as usual in the NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= on Wednesday, and the Lakers wasted no time putting the new labor agreement to use, re-signing free agent Rick Fox. In the chaotic, post-lockout climate, the NBA's rules are still sketchy, so contract terms are uncertain, and the deal may not even be complete in time for Fox to participate in the opening of training camp this afternoon. All that's certain is he's staying. ``I can confirm that Rick is returning to Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. ,'' Doug Johnson The name Doug Johnson may refer to the following people:
Details were still being worked out, and the deal cannot become official until 11 a.m. today, when the NBA lifts the moratorium on trades and signings. The Lakers will sign Fox using the new middle-class exception, signing him for $1.75 million. ``That's good news if it turns out that way,'' coach Del Harris said of Fox's return. ``He's a good, hard, tough player and a team player. Keeping him and adding Derek Harper Derek Ricardo Harper (born October 13 1961 in Elberton, Georgia) is a former professional basketball player from the University of Illinois, who spent 16 seasons as a point guard in the National Basketball Association with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and certainly will help us in the toughness area.'' Lakers executive Jerry West
New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , making it difficult to nail down a contract for Fox. ``I don't think anything's official until you get to a certain point in time,'' West cautioned. A seven-year veteran, Fox averaged 12 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists as the Lakers' starting small forward last season. More importantly, he brought maturity, intensity and a hard-nosed style to a young team in need of all those elements. ``He is obviously someone we covet cov·et v. cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets v.tr. 1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's). See Synonyms at envy. 2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire. here, and we just think he is a really good ballplayer, a tough-minded guy who really wants to win,'' West said. ``He's one of the greatest people I've ever been around. . . . ``We need to do what we can for him and try to keep him a Laker until he wants to retire.'' Under the new labor deal, a team can offer one player the middle-class exception, covering up to six years. More likely, Fox will sign for one or two years to earn his Larry Bird Larry Joe Bird (born December 7,1956) is a retired American NBA basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, and one of the best clutch performers in the history of sports. rights or ``early Bird'' rights, then be eligible to re-sign for $3 million or more. Atlanta, New York and Seattle all offered Fox similar deals and at least one, unidentified team offered more money. ``It was a tough decision for him,'' said Fox representative Mark Portnoy. ``But he loves L.A., he has great respect for the management and ownership, he really likes his teammates and wants to win a championship. He feels this is the best place to win them.'' Also Wednesday, West confirmed that Harper, who agreed this week to join the Lakers, will sign for two years. Meanwhile, the latest trade rumor had the Lakers dealing Elden Campbell Elden Jerome Campbell (born July 23, 1968 in Los Angeles, California) is an American former professional basketball player who played center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Campbell played college basketball at Clemson University. , Eddie Jones and Sam Jacobson to Minnesota for Tom Gugliotta. Jacobson's agent said the rookie isn't involved, while sources close to the team scoffed at the rumor and indicated the Lakers could obtain Gugliotta in a one-for-one deal. Campbell, absent the last five days of voluntary workouts, rejoined the team Wednesday and is expected to be at training camp at UC Santa Barbara this afternoon. The Lakers open camp with 14 players under contract or otherwise committed, and practices will run through Tuesday. After several delays by the NBA this week, players were just happy to get camp under way. ``It's a big relief,'' Robert Horry said. ``A lot of guys didn't know what we were going to be doing. It's fun to start.'' |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion