THE WEEK THAT WAS : THE NUMBERS GAME.

After he was named to succeed Walter Alston as Dodgers manager, Lasorda chose No. 2, in honor of former Brooklyn Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher.

Friday night, Lasorda became the ninth person in franchise history to have his number retired - meaning he'll officially bleed Dodger blue forever.

``Tonight is one of the most prestigious nights of my life,'' Lasorda said during a half-hour ceremony at Dodger Stadium before the Dodgers faced the Cincinnati Reds.

Lasorda confronts another major number next month. He'll turn 70 on Sept. 22.

ETC.

Magic Johnson (pictured) announced his latest NBA comeback and said he's joining the Chicago Bulls, replacing Michael Jordan. Hey, just kidding. Actually, Johnson wore Jordan's No. 23 jersey as a joke when he appeared on stage at the Jamizon concert Thursday at the United Center in Chicago, Jordan's home court. But they sang for Magic - he was celebrating his 38th birthday.

The Dodgers and Angels bolstered the top of their lineups and their outfields with the acquisition of veterans with playoff experience. Tuesday, the Dodgers added 38-year-old Otis Nixon from Toronto and he made an immediate impact, stealing two probable home runs from Montreal's David Segui to preserve a 1-0 victory. The Angels, who found themselves shorthanded when Tony Phillips was arrested and then charged for felony possession of cocaine, picked up future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson Wednesday from the San Diego Padres. To make room on the roster, the Angels let go of another future Famer, Eddie Murray.

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Photo: no caption (Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson)

Associated Press