MEN IN UNIFORM; TOP DESIGNERS DRESS THE L.A. LAKERS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Fashion Editor

The Lakers - Los Angeles' favorite hoopsters - are moving to bigger and better digs, so a new look seems in order.

You know, a uniform that's uniformly flashy to match the swanky new Staples Center.

Not that there's anything terribly wrong with their ho-hum Forum blue (it looks purple) and gold ensembles, but hey, it's the beginning of a new millennium, so they could get a tad more fashion-conscious for the fans.

And ditto for those saucy Laker Girls.

Think of the possibilities for all those leggy girls and guys on the court of the new Staples Center.

Sequins, leather and lace could be pretty awesome under the lights and possibly be intimidating - at least distracting - to opposing teams. And the players could get behind fashion's hot utility-chic trend with a few zippers and Velcro pockets here and there.

But seriously, the Lakers will get new uniforms. Lakers spokesman John Black says they'll unveil the outfits at a press conference Friday, with players Derek Fisher and Rick Fox modeling. Plus some celebs.

To perfect the uniform, the Lakers asked its slam-dunk star, Shaquille O'Neal, for his opinion and talked with the folks at Nike.

But they forgot to consult Los Angeles' most formidable players in the fashion game.

So we did.

The Daily News turned to five of the city's highest-profile designers and asked them to design something fresh and frisky for the Lakers' new season. The ideas came pouring in, with an assortment of styles that reflected their enthusiasm for the home team.

Max Azria of BCBG, who designs cutting-edge fashions for both men and women, kept the uniform simple but added strategically designed color-blocking to accentuate the player's buffed bodies.

Designer-to-the-stars Eduardo Lucero focused on rock-star style with a leopard print fur jacket, beaded tank top and leather shorts with a handy pocket for the players' cell phones.

Michael Aguirre, who designs for the popular junior line called Hot Kiss, thought it was about time for a one-piece suit with legs that could be easily lengthened or shortened, and he added a padded torso for protection from those nasty elbow jabs.

Meanwhile, Tom Nguyen of Poleci, a women's contemporary sportswear firm, went for entertainment appeal. He said that basketball, like other sports, is so highly televised that the uniforms needed more sex appeal. He couldn't settle on just one ensemble, so he sketched two - one with a beaded and feather-trimmed sarong (they're currently chic in menswear) and the other a sheer silk chiffon pair of shorts over beaded briefs.

Not forgetting the Laker Girls, David Dart took a departure from his casually chic designs and sketched some flirty hot pants stitched with phrases such as ``slam dunk'' and ``swoosh.'' Always practical, Dart said he made everything in stretchy fabrics for maximum movement.

Artistic talent aside, the Lakers have already made up their minds.

Besides, it's a no-brainer that even a buzzer-beating moment wouldn't get the guys to wear most of these fantasy high-fashion uniforms on the hardwood. (Where's Dennis Rodman when you really need him?)

Fortunately for the guys, Lakers spokesman Black confided that the real uniform is expected to be a modest adaptation in all gold with a V-necked tank top and stripes going down the side instead of the waist.

There was no mention of sequins or feather trim.

CAPTION(S):

14 Photos

PHOTO (1 -- cover -- color) How would you dress this man? From fur to feathers, lace to leather - we help L.A. Lakers suit up for their new home.

(2 -- 3 -- 3 color only) Designer: Michael Aguirre for Hot Kiss

Personal stats: Design director for Hot Kiss since 1997; formerly with Rampage. Now has his own collection of contemporary soft dressing called Symbol. He's single and enjoys painting, sculpting and studying Tibetan Buddhism.

Fashion stance: Body-hugging, sexy styles for young women available atM numerous department stores.

His Laker look: Protective head gear with a communication device; a reversible mesh undershirt with one-piece uniform featuring padded torso for added protection, zipper opening for mobility and shorts that can be adjusted to desirable length.

Comments: ``I wanted to do a union of synthetic yarns with natural fibers, which is what the fashion industry is foreseeing in the future. I also tried to make a point about protecting ourselves, not only in sports but in everyday life.''

(4 -- 5 -- 5 color only) Designer: David Dart

Personal stats: Began his career in Chatsworth in 1985. 1994 California Designer of the Year; 1994 and 1995 Dallas Fashion Award; 1995 Tommy Award for fabric design. Active with Divine Design and AIDS Project L.A.; single; has one child, Devon, 4.

Fashion stance: Known for casually chic womenswear sold at most major department stores.

His Laker look: Gold Lycra woven short-shorts with conversational print featuring basketballs and nets as well as phrases such as ``swoosh,'' ``nothing but net'' and ``slam dunk''; paired with a purple Lycra-Spandex tube top with the Lakers' logo on the back.

Comments: ``Fashion has to fit your lifestyle, and for the Laker Girls it's all about the ability to move and perform. I've also added cover-up accessories, such as a camp shirt and wrap skirt, for versatility and comfort.''

(6 -- 8 -- 7--8 color only) Designer: Tom Nguyen for Poleci

Personal stats: Born in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1964; graduated from L.A. Trade Tech and the Paris Fashion Institute in France in 1992. He joined Poleci in 1994, and he and co-designer Janice Levin-Krok were named 1997 California Designer of the Year.

Fashion stance: Pure, clean lines and simple sophistication for women, available in most department stores. Recently added leather and knits to the line.

His Laker look: He provided two sketches: a more practical uniform with a bead-and-rhinestone-trimmed cotton Lycra tank top paired with a beMaded bikini brief that shows through sheer laminated silk chiffon. And for those TV close-ups, a feather-trimmed sarong with a terry cloth lining to absorb perspiration. The cowboy hat and sandals are optional accessories.

Comments: ``I think basketball has become a show, so I wanted the uniforms to be more fun, more visual for the TV viewers.''

(9 -- 10 -- 10 color only) Designer: Max Azria for BCBG

Personal stats: Founded BCBG (French slang for ``good style, good attitude'') in 1981; also owns Francine Browner, To the Max, Maxime and Parallel. In 1998, he became the first American designer to purchase a French design house, Herve Leger. Honors include 1995 California Designer of the Year; 1997 California Fashion Performance Award; 1997 City of Hope Spirit of Life Award; member of Council of Fashion Designers of America. Married; six children.

Fashion stance: Young, hip fashions for men and women, including shoes and accessories; available worldwide, including at BCBG boutiques.

His Laker look: Color-blocked uniform with long shorts; made of high-tech fabric that lifts moisture away from the body and has perforations that allow the body to breathe.

Comments: ``The uniform I have designed is simple yet sleek. It is fully functional, offering the ultimate in comfort and style. The strategically designed color-blocking emphasizes the wide shoulders and smaller waist of an athlete's body, creating a more flattering look.''

(11 -- 12 -- 12 color only) Designer: Eduardo Lucero

Personal stats: Born in Mexico, graduated from Otis School of Design in Los Angeles; received 1997 California Rising Designer of the Year Award. He's single and reads New Age books and teaches fashion design in his spare time.

Fashion stance: Bold, hip clothing with a Latin flavor for movie and music stars, or anybody who wants to look like one. Available at boutiques around the world, including Eduardo Lucero and Traffic in L.A. Clients include Madonna, Billy Idol and Cameron Diaz.

HisM Laker look: Outrageous, with long leather shorts featuring a cell phone pocket, topped with a beaded tank top and faux leopard-print fur jacket.

Comments: ``Sports, from ice skating to football, have became part of the entertainment industry, so I thought the Lakers' uniforms needed something that was practical, yet shined with rock-star glamour.

(13 -- 14) Magic Johnson's shorts are downright ... short ... in this 1988 photo, left, while Doug Christie sports a longer pair in a '93 game.