TUNEUP IS NEAR UPSET; NOW, LAKERS CAN POINT TO SONICS : LAKERS 119, VANCOUVER 110.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

This was supposed to be leisure day for the Lakers, a comfortable way to start their most-rigorous week, in front of the usual polite audience of Canadians.

The Vancouver Grizzlies refused to extend the same courtesy as their fans, though, extending the Lakers for three quarters Sunday to fuel visions of an upset. About that time, the Lakers realized their predicament, and a brief spurt of energy at the start of the fourth quarter prevented a catastrophe as they escaped with a 119-110 victory over the Grizzlies before 18,983 at GM Place.

Now comes the tough part.

The Lakers begin their most-critical stretch of the season, playing Seattle twice in the next five days, with Phoenix sandwiched in between. If the Lakers (45-18) don't sweep the Sonics (48-15), their chances of claiming the Western Conference's No. 1 seeding will be extremely difficult.

``It's a big week. There's no denying it. The truth is, it's a huge week,'' Lakers coach Del Harris said.

Considering they are 0-2 against Seattle, the Lakers are hardly in the mood to say what they know: They need a sweep.

``There's enough hype surrounding those games,'' forward Rick Fox said. ``This is a big week. We've got to lay it out there and make sure there's a chance to get No. 1. We know what we have to do.''

The excitement for this trip was expected to be provided during tonight's contest in Seattle, but its importance almost became lost as the Lakers toyed with the Grizzlies for three quarters.

But the Lakers outscored Vancouver 15-2 to start the final period, thereby proving that NBA games really are decided in the fourth quarter.

``We came out and played the defense that we've played in the last 15 games,'' Harris said. ``The first 10 possessions pretty well administered the TKO.''

And who was landing the key jabs for the Lakers? None other than point guard Nick Van Exel, in his first game back after being out since Feb. 15 with a knee injury.

Van Exel might have missed 13 games, but he looked sharp in his return. He made a nice pass to Robert Horry for a dunk to open the fourth quarter, then hit a 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 95-88 lead just 46 seconds into the period.

``Nick did far better than anybody could have hoped for. He had a great fourth quarter,'' Harris said. ``I think for him to come in and be instrumental in the turning point of the ballgame is very encouraging. I didn't think he would make a big contribution.''

Van Exel scored all eight of his points in the quarter and played despite being bothered by back spasms before the game.

``(My back is) sore and stiff. It's hurting, but it's all right,'' Van Exel said. ``It doesn't hurt on the court.''

Harris, who wants to bring Van Exel back slowly, limited the guard to 18 minutes and plans to use him about the same amount tonight against the Sonics.

``This is my ease-back game,'' Van Exel said. ``Hopefully, (Monday) I'll be ready.''

The Lakers forwards, often in the background offensively, emerged with one of their most prolific efforts of the season. Horry had 23 points and 13 rebounds while Fox added 20 points and six assists.

Horry's 23 points were the most he has scored with the Lakers but well shy of his career high of 40 when he played with Houston. He made 9 of 11 shots; Fox hit 7 of 10.

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Photo

PHOTO The Lakers' Rick Fox, who scored 20 points, drives around Vancouver's Shareef Abdur-Rahim in the first half of L.A.'s victory.

Chuck Stoody/Associated Press