LAKERS NOTEBOOK: `TRUST IN ME' IS RIDER HOPE.Byline: Howard Beck Staff Writer EL SEGUNDO El Segundo (ĕl sēgŭn`dō), industrial city (1990 pop. 15,223), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on Santa Monica Bay; inc. 1917. Its products include navigation and computer systems, aircraft parts, office machines, telephone apparatus, and - In the wake of another encouraging performance, Isaiah Rider Isaiah Rider, Jr., sometimes known as J.R. Rider (born March 12, 1971 in Oakland, California) is an American former NBA basketball player, who played from 1993–2001. The 6'5" (1. did not resort to ``I told you so's'' or decare dec·are n. A metric unit of area equal to 10 ares. his need for more minutes to keep proving his worth. Instead, in yet another sign that he is conforming to coach Phil Jackson's program, Rider offered some humility. He was asked Saturday night whether his 16-point effort against the Utah Jazz felt good. ``We lost,'' Rider said, ``so I don't feel too good about that.'' If this new team-first attitude persists, Rider might yet claim the role Jackson envisions for him: big minutes, third option. While all eyes were focused on Shaquille O'Neal Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (pronounced "shak-KEEL") (born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey), frequently referred to simply as Shaq, is an American professional basketball player, generally regarded as one of the most dominant in the National Basketball Association (NBA). and Kobe Bryant's relationship this weekend, Rider quietly put together back-to-back double-figure performances for the first time since mid-November. He scored 12 points in 20 minutes against Cleveland on Friday, going 5 for 8 from the field. He was even more efficient in Utah, going 6 for 8 from the field and scoring the 16 points in 18 minutes. ``Just the tip of the iceberg tip of the iceberg n. pl. tips of the iceberg A small evident part or aspect of something largely hidden: afraid that these few reported cases of the disease might only be the tip of the iceberg. for me,'' Rider said. ``I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I can still do a lot in this game.'' His new plan? Take 10 shots per game. ``Ten (shots) is possible to get you 20 (points). Anywere from 10 to 20 points for me in every game will be beneficial,'' he said. ``So I think that's what I'm trying to do now, is get 10 shots a game. And I'm right around 19-20 minutes a game; I've just got to take advantage of my opportunities.'' ``I've got everything pretty much down, I'm comfortable with the offense,'' Rider said. ``But (Jackson) is going to go with his ace, Ron Harper
Ronald Harper (born January 20, 1964 in Dayton, Ohio) is a retired American professional basketball player whose career spanned from 1986 to 2001 with four teams in , and (Brian) Shaw when it gets down to crunch time. I guess I just have to build some trust. He has to believe in me a little more. ``I do see it (from Jackson). I've just got to take advantage of my opportunities.'' --Ty's time: Yes, that was Tyronn Lue Tyronn Jamar Lue (born on May 3, 1977 in Mexico, Missouri) is an American professional basketball player who last played with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA in the 2006-07 season. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. starting the fourth quarter, in a backcourt with Rider, Saturday night. That unlikely pair shows Jackson is continuing to tinker with his rotation, and that the little-used Lue will get another chance to be part of it. Lue has been on the Lakers' injured list almost continuously since he came into the league in 1998, but the 6-0 speedster speed·ster n. 1. One who drives very fast. 2. A fast car. is a fan favorite. The chants of ``Loooo'' came almost immediately when he came off the bench Friday, in his first game since Nov. 7. ``It felt good to know they still know who I am after not playing but 28 games in three years,'' Lue said. ``Hopefully, I can continue to stay on the active roster, just play solid, that's all I want to try to do. Just play good defensively, that's my focus right now.'' The Lakers will rely on Lue - who took injured Mike Penberthy's roster spot - to defend smaller guards and provide a change of pace on offense with his speed. ``I'm happy they gave me a chance to come back and finally get a chance to play so I can show what I can do,'' he said. LAKERS vs. VANCOUVER Time: 5 p.m., at Staples Center This article has multiple issues: * Its neutrality is disputed. * It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. * It does not cite any references or sources. . TV/Radio: Fox Sports West; 570-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish). Lakers (24-12) update: With so few games in the first two weeks of January, the Lakers seemed to lose their stamina in Saturday's loss at Utah, the second night of a back-to-back set. Tonight's game is their third in four days, then the Lakers get another three-day break. They're 2-0 against the Grizzlies The name Grizzlies may refer to:
Grizzlies (22-13) update: They're 3-3 in January, with all the victories coming against Eastern Conference teams and all the losses to the West. They've lost six in a row on the road. - Howard Beck CAPTION(S): box Box: Lakers vs. Vancouver (see text) |
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