ANALYSIS: AFTER ALL OF THIS, HE'S STILL THE SAME ISAIAH.

Byline: Howard Beck Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO - If Isaiah Rider has played his last game in a Lakers uniform - and there are strong indications that he has - he will depart with the same baggage and the same empty promises that have accompanied him on every NBA stop the past eight years.

And this is the truly sad part of Rider's basketball odyssey.

It's not just that he hasn't corrected bad habits, but that he doesn't appear to even recognize how he's sabotaging his once-promising career.

After months of late arrivals, inattentiveness and sullen behavior, Rider was nearly waived Tuesday. Instead, he was placed on the injured list, saved only by coach Phil Jackson's forgiving nature.

Now he's a longshot to be included on the playoff roster next Thursday - though there are conflicting opinions within the organization on that subject.

So Rider will spend the next seven days campaigning for a roster. Yet it's not clear he understands what management wants.

Wednesday afternoon, in a parking lot outside the Lakers' training center, not far from the gym where he stood and answered all the same old questions last August, Rider again gave all the same old responses.

He vowed to be a better citizen and a productive player. But mostly, Rider talked at length about improving his play, which of course, missed the point entirely.

``There's things that didn't happen this year, whether it was intentional or not intentional, from being late or not getting a wakeup call (at a hotel in San Antonio in November) or whatever,'' he said. ``And those things didn't help things any. But the only thing I regret is not really playing aggressive. ... That's the only thing I really regret, because I think that would have changed a little. It would have made some things smoother.''

Rider used the word ``aggressive'' six times Wednesday. He mentioned ``responsibility'' just once, and it wasn't in reference to himself.

He did not acknowledge the fact that Jackson nearly cut him Monday, mostly for being irresponsible - the same trait that prompted the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves to give up on him.

With good behavior, Rider might have a chance to make the postseason roster. The organization is wary of Kobe Bryant reinjuring himself, and uncertain what Ron Harper can do after a two-month layoff and knee surgery.

Rider, still a potent scorer and capable defender, could provide insurance in the playoffs.

``I told these people I can definitely accept (my role) and I can be professional and this is a time when you tighten up,'' Rider said.

But in the playoffs, where every possession matters, the Lakers are seeking stability and reliability, and most of all, a minimal number of distractions. That puts Rider behind less talented players like Devean George and Mike Penberthy.

Jackson has shown his preferences by benching Rider six times this season. He's played him 15 minutes or less in 10 of his past 13 appearances.

``He knows I know the offense, so it's just a matter of me accepting whatever minutes I do get or don't get at this point. I think that was a factor,'' Rider said. ``I always knew I wouldn't have a major role here.''

Yet he's sulked often over his minutes, as recently as last Friday in Boston. A few nights earlier, he arrived 45 minutes late for a game. He's let minor issues - such as not playing against Golden State, in his hometown of Oakland - unravel him.

``For me,'' he explained, ``basketball is my happiness.''

``It's all about maybe I'll have a chance in the playoffs,'' Rider said. ``And for this next week or so, I just want to, without being fake or overdoing it, just let them know that I'm interested and I'm not bitter. And me and Phil talked about life and a lot of different things, and that sometimes things happen for a reason. I can't find a reason right now. No, I don't agree with it, but at the same time I'm willing to accept it. And we talked about bettering ourselves as men and everything, so I'm willing to accept that part of it too, just bettering my life, and that's where I am on it really.''

A free agent this summer, Rider still says he'd like to play here next season - a highly unlikely proposition.

For now, he can assume nothing, not even a spot on the active roster.

``How am I feeling? You know, just surviving, hanging in there,'' he said. ``I mean, you know, hopefully things will work out. I'm optimistic. I'm optimistic.''