| | Associated Press
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Newly signed Los Angeles Lakers guard
Isaiah Rider pledged Monday to end the tardiness problems that have
plagued him since his first NBA practice in 1993.
"It's up to me to dig myself out of the hole," Rider said at
an introductory news conference. "We'll see in seven or eight
months what the outcome is.
"To me, this is an easy transition -- come in, do my job and be
a good citizen."
Rider, 29, said he will live in a location equally convenient to
the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo near Los Angeles
International Airport, and Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles,
where the team plays its home games.
He also said his new home would enable him to drive on surface
streets, avoiding the crowded freeways.
"An adjustment of 20 or 30 minutes a day in my life will be the
significant part of my turnaround," Rider said. "Coaches know I
don't come dragging in in the morning."
Meanwhile, upon Rider's arrival, general manager Mitch Kupchak
was casting doubt about the return of free-agent forward Glen Rice,
saying, "I wouldn't say it was likely," that Rice will be
re-signed.
"I also wouldn't say it's not going to happen, either,"
Kupchak said. "We're half the equation. He's the other half of the
equation. If we were both on the same page, then he'd be back here
or he'd be gone by now."
Rice, who became a free agent at the conclusion of the playoffs,
appeared on his way to the New York Knicks as part of a four-team
deal last week, but the transaction fell through.
It was to be a sign-and-trade deal, with the Lakers receiving
forward Christian Laettner from Detroit and center Chris Dudley
from New York and giving up Rice, forward-center Travis Knight,
guards Tyronn Lue and John Celestand and a first-round draft pick.
Rider's constant tardiness caused him to clash with his coaches
in Atlanta last season and Portland before that. He was also late
to his first professional practice seven years ago with the
Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kupchak said Rider demonstrated sincerity about changing his
ways by rejecting Miami's $2.25 million contract offer last week
before signing with the Lakers for $736,000 -- the minimum salary
for players with seven years experience.
"To me, it's the first step," Kupchak said. "He's
acknowledging he's looked at the situation, he knows what he needs
and he's made a sacrifice, which is probably the most important
thing."
Rider said it wasn't a difficult decision to accept the lower
offer.
"For me, it wasn't about money," he said. "This is an
opportunity I thought I couldn't pass up, with premier players, a
good supporting cast and an organization that's been No. 1 for
years."
Both Rider and Kupchak said the one-year contract will provide
sufficient motivation for the 6-foot-5 player to solve his
problems.
"I have my head on straight," he said. "I'm really happy,
confident and not reluctant to be in this situation."
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. The Hawks waived him a month before the
season ended.
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