WALK OUT ON LAKERS? I'TS NOT LIKELY; LURE OF MORE TITLES COULD KEEP HORRY AROUND.

Byline: Howard Beck Staff Writer

PHILADELPHIA - So maybe these life decisions aren't so complex after all. Maybe it's not so much about where to play, or how many millions more or less to be paid, or how many hours closer to home you can be, but just this rare feeling.

Standing near the baseline, an inch behind the arc, the clock ticking down and your team in dire need of one perfectly tossed shot. This is where Robert Horry's pulse is stashed, tucked away for moments like this.

Anyone can hit a big shot in the 28th game, in January, in New Jersey, for the Atlanta Hawks. Not everyone can hit that same shot in June, in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, in a raucous arena, on the road, with the championship on the line.

Not everyone gets to ride on the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant Express, much less get a chance to steer this locomotive on occasion.

Robert Horry does. He also has played long enough to know how precious these opportunities are.

So when he returns to Houston late next week, to his wife Keva, his son and daughter, he will feel the emotional tugs. If he opts out of his contract this summer, he might be able to work closer to home - in Houston, or San Antonio or Dallas, Atlanta or even Memphis.

But when decision time comes, Horry will also remember Sunday night at the First Union Center, 47.2 seconds on the clock, the Lakers clinging to a one-point lead, and Brian Shaw standing at the top of the key, swinging the ball to the corner. Catching the pass, rotating the ball in his hands, then launching the 3-pointer that clinched Game 3 for the Lakers.

That play gave the Lakers their 2-1 lead in this series. It also served as a dramatic reminder of why Horry will be infinitely happier as a player if he stays in L.A. and completes the last three years of his contract (including a team option in 2003-04).

``That's one of those times that you think, 'Hey, this place, I love it,' '' Horry said Monday. ``That's one of those times.''

Keva Horry recently told her husband to play wherever he's happiest, even if it means staying in L.A., a city where she doesn't want to live. Horry won't make a final decision until the season is over, but he's leaning toward staying. And playing in this environment, competing for a fourth championship ring, could seal the deal.

``That's one of the keys that's keeping me in L.A.,'' he said. ``It's either stay on a team where you have a chance to be in this situation, or go somewhere where you have to fight and struggle to get to this situation. ...

``You've got the two best players in the league and it's hard to come by that.''

It's been hard to find a role behind that pair as well. Ever since he arrived in a trade for Cedric Ceballos in 1997, as a sweet-shooting big man with big scoring potential, Horry has battled criticism, changing expectations and bad knees.

Not to mention the reputation for disappearing for long stretches. But then, that happens to anyone playing alongside O'Neal, Bryant and, in past years, Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones.

``If you don't touch the ball, you have a tendency to disappear,'' Horry said. ``People wonder why the stars don't disappear - it's because, hell, they've got the ball all the time. They get to feel it.''

Horry arrived as a 6-10 small forward, a slasher and shooter. He was converted into an undersized power forward to accommodate the arrival of Rick Fox. Coach Del Harris was widely criticized for the move, as Horry struck no one as a starting power forward.

He eventually was replaced in the lineup by Travis Knight and Dennis Rodman and J.R. Reid, sometimes disappearing from the rotation altogether. Then he formed a productive two-man tandem with A.C. Green, only to be disappointed when the Lakers waived Green last June.

Horace Grant was acquired to provide the muscle and strength Horry lacked, and now that pair has become an effective tag team. Grant brings the bulk and the rebounding, Horry the quickness and shooting.

``He's always proven that whatever hand you deal him, he's going to play it,'' said Derek Fisher. ``He doesn't get himself concerned or caught up in complaining or making statements that are detrimental to the team. He's always interested in just going out and winning.

``He has winning experience, he's been on championship teams before, prior to ours, and hopefully, we can hold onto him this summer and keep this thing moving right along.''

Grant is already a free agent this summer, so the Lakers can ill-afford to lose Horry. When he isn't providing clutch shots, he's providing valuable defense as a mobile big man who can double-team and trap.

General manager Mitch Kupchak was encouraged to hear Horry say recently that he probably won't opt out of his contract.

``I don't know where we'd be today without him (Sunday),'' said Kupchak, who nevertheless has had to consider the options if Horry leaves. ``We've been playing with possibilities for over a year now, what ifs. You have to plan ahead a year or two. ... I'm happy that he likes it in Los Angeles.''

The longer he sticks around, the more chances Horry has to buttress his new image - as the wise veteran with the knack for hitting clutch shots in the biggest games.

``If it can keep me around a couple years, then yeah, that would be cool,'' he said.

STORY ON HORRY

Fast facts about Lakers forward Robert Horry.

--Was a first-round choice of the Houston Rockets in 1992 (11th overall) out of Alabama.

--He's played on three NBA champions: Houston in '94 and '95 and the Lakers last year.

--Holds the NBA single-game playoff record for most 3-pointers without a miss - seven - in 1997.

--He's made 13 3-pointers (out of 41 tries) in this year's NBA Finals, third best on the team.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Lakers forward Robert Horry takes exception to a reporter's question in a post-practice news conference Monday.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer

(2) Robert Horry's versatility includes the ability to set up plays while bringing the ball up in the Lakers' offense.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer

Box: STORY ON HORRY (see text)