| | Associated Press
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Lakers, whose Dennis
Rodman experiment was a miserable failure, added another NBA bad
boy, Isaiah Rider.
Rider, whose constant tardiness caused him to clash with his
coaches in Atlanta last season and Portland before that, signed
with the Lakers on Friday. He was waived by the Hawks on March 17.
A 6-foot-5 guard, Rider provides the NBA champion Lakers, who
have been attempting to trade Glen Rice, with another shooter.
Rider averaged 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists for
Atlanta last season, near his career averages of 18.1 points, 4.1
rebounds and 2.9 assists. He's a career 44 percent shooter from the
field, including 35 percent from 3-point range.
Rider said he was grateful to Lakers general manager Mitch
Kupchak, coach Phil Jackson and owner Jerry Buss for "having the
faith in me to give me this opportunity."
"I'm looking forward to a new start in my career," Rider said
in a statement released by the Lakers.
Rider, who complained last season that Atlanta coach Lenny
Wilkens wasn't letting him fulfill his natural role as a scorer,
played in just 60 games for the Hawks. Wilkens, who considered
Rider a negative influence on the team, said pointedly, "I did not
bring him here."
Wilkens resigned after the season.
Rider's career is checkered with suspensions, including missing
12 games during three seasons in Portland ranging from flagrant
fouls to spitting on fans.
His history of NBA offenses dates back to his first pro practice
with Minnesota in 1993, when he showed up late. Other problems have
included convictions for marijuana possession and assault.
The Lakers signed Rodman during the 1998-99 season only to see
him become a continuing distraction by showing up late to
practices, among other lapses, and he finally was released.
But Kupchak and the Lakers obviously believe Jackson, who
coached Rodman in Chicago, can deal with Rider.
"This was a great opportunity to get an experienced and very
talented player and we're happy to have Isaiah join our team,"
Kupchak said. "His explosiveness and ability will help take some
of the pressure off our other players, and with his youth and
skills, he could be a great addition to this team for years to
come."
"I've been a Lakers fan since I was a kid growing up in Oakland
watching Magic and those Showtime teams," Rider said. "Now I'm
excited to play with Shaq (O'Neal), Kobe (Bryant) and the rest of
the guys and to hopefully get a championship ring next spring."
Rider, who played at UNLV, was taken by the Minnesota
Timberwolves as the fifth player chosen in the 1993 NBA draft.
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