LASORDA'S NEXT CALL: THE HALL? : DEADLINE NEARS FOR VETERANS' SELECTION.

Byline: Kevin Acee Daily News Staff Writer

Bill Russell won't mess with success during his first full season as manager.

He knows the two guys who preceded him, Walter Alston and Tom Lasorda, lasted 23 and 20 years, respectively.

``And they're in the Hall of Fame,'' Russell said.

Actually, Russell is fully aware that Lasorda has yet to be elected. But that is expected to happen March 5 when the Hall of Fame's Committee on Baseball Veterans meets in Tampa, Fla.

Lasorda becomes eligible immediately because he is over 65 years old, according to the Veterans' Committee rules.

``He's got as good a shot as anybody,'' Russell said. ``What he's done for the game. . . . He almost gave his life for it he loves it so much.''

Lasorda, who retired last year after having heart surgery, is now a vice president for the Dodgers. He is in the final days of a tour of Japan's spring-training sites and is expected to return to Dodgertown this weekend.

He finished his managerial career 13th on the all-time list with a record of 1,599-1,439, all with the Dodgers. His teams went to the World Series four times, winning in 1981 and '88.

``To me, it's an easy call,'' Dodgers executive vice president Fred Claire said. ``You have to look at the record, the World Series wins, the league championships and the longevity.

``And add to that his contributions as far as a goodwill ambassador for the game. . . . Not only has he won the games, he's won the fans.''

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Photo: (color) LASORDA