SPOILED BY THOSE RINGS DYNASTY ENOUGH FOR GEORGE TO STAY.

Byline: Howard Beck Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO -- They wined and dined Devean George in Minneapolis, wooed him in Salt Lake City, sung his praises in New Jersey and Chicago. But the moment of clarity in George's free-agency odyssey came earlier, in a more remote location.

For a career-choice epiphany, George had to travel to Puerto Rico.

It was late June, just days before George would become an unrestricted free agent, poised to cash in on his Lakers glory, his youth and his potential. The NBA players association was holding its annual meeting at the El Conquistador Resort and Country Club. Dozens of players representing the league's 29 teams were in attendance.

But the vibe was unmistakably different as George and Lakers veteran Derek Fisher cruised through the room.

``We stood out,'' George said. ``Guys looked at us like they really wanted to be where we were at, and congratulating us. That's a feeling that you really can't describe and I'd like to keep doing that throughout my career.''

So the decision wasn't so difficult after all.

And Thursday, shortly after 10 a.m., George signed his name to a four- year contract worth $18.45 million, linking his fate to the Lakers for the foreseeable future.

There were offers of more money and longer contracts elsewhere. The most intriguing offer came from the Nets, where he could have played alongside passing wizard Jason Kidd. He flirted with the idea of running with Kevin Garnett in his hometown of Minneapolis.

But George, just 24, has been spoiled by success. In three years as a pro, he's won three championship rings. So while he listened to general managers in four time zones tell him, ad nauseam, how great he was and how perfect he'd be on their team, while he considered ``very tempting'' offers for millions more, George's true desire never changed.

He wanted to remain a winner.

``I like my short summers,'' George said at Thursday morning's press conference. ``I didn't want to start going home in April.''

General manager Mitch Kupchak was keenly aware of that but knew he had to make a competitive offer, even though it would strain the Lakers' budget.

``I can't tell you how excited we are to have him back,'' Kupchak said.

More than a dozen teams inquired about George, according to his agent. He visited only four - the Nets, Timberwolves, Jazz and Bulls. In the midst of it all, there was a long phone conversation with former Lakers executive Jerry West, who now runs the Memphis Grizzlies. West drafted George in 1999 and was trying to draft him once more.

But the more meaningful calls came from Fisher and Rick Fox, Kobe Bryant and Mitch Richmond. Bryant, who has played mentor to George, promised to continue working with him on his game. Richmond, who played 13 years in the NBA before winning a title with the Lakers last month, reminded him how precious those shiny rings are.

``One of the things that I learned is being part of a winning team and the relationships with the guys is very important to me,'' George said. ``And that was one of my reasons for coming back. The whole process of being a free agent, it started to get a little confusing, but I knew all along I wanted to come back here.''

He'll return as the Lakers' top reserve, playing behind Rick Fox but with ever higher expectations. He'll make $4.5 million next season, more than starters Fox, Fisher and Samaki Walker.

George averaged 7.1 points last season, his first as an everyday player. With added confidence and experience, he hopes to contribute much more. George hopes to see more time at guard and is working on his ballhandling and shooting. And he's already got plans to work out with Bryant in the coming months.

``A lot more things are expected of you, but I'm ready for that challenge,'' he said. ``I'm just starting to really tap into how good I can be. I'm committed to being a good player, I'm going to be in the gym. I'm not going to relax.''

--Bryant impresses: Bryant, apparently not sated by three NBA championships, flashed his moves Thursday night at New York's famed Rucker Park, where streetball legends are made.

Playing for Murda Inc. Records, Bryant's appearance sent the crowd into delirium. And his moves, one dunk in particular, literally brought them out of the stands. Playing for the opponent, The Source, were NBA veterans Jerome Williams and Moochie Norris.

The game was interrupted by rain and ended in a 61-61 tie. Bryant - repeatedly referred to by the P.A. man as ``Three Rings'' - finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Bryant, who is seeking a new shoe sponsor after cutting ties with Adidas, wore a pair of white Nikes.

--Slava update: The Lakers are firming up a deal with free agent Slava Medvedenko and expect to make an announcement next week.

PAYDAY

Devean George signed a four-year, $18.45 million contract Thursday, making him the Lakers' fourth-highest paid player next season. The top earners:

Shaquille O'Neal $23.6 million

Kobe Bryant $12.4 million

Robert Horry $5.3 million

Devean George $4.5 million

Rick Fox $4.3 million

Tracy Murray $3.7 million

Derek Fisher $3 million

Samaki Walker $1.5 million

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PAYDAY (see text)