RIDER SAYS REPORT IS OLD STORY

Isaiah Rider, who in recent weeks had tried to become an on-court
conscience for the Lakers, has been accused of off-court misbehavior
again.

A report in Friday's New York Post asserted that Rider had violated
terms of an NBA after-care program by refusing to submit to recent drug
tests. Rider was convicted of marijuana possession four years ago, and
last season accused teammates of reporting alleged marijuana use to the
NBA.

NBA Commissioner David Stern sent a letter to Rider demanding
compliance, according to the report, which quoted an anonymous source.

Rider said Friday night that he was undaunted by the report.

"Honestly, this stuff is stemming from last year," he said. "It's not
difficult. It's something that's going to get resolved.

"It's going to work out. It's unfortunate [the Post] did what it did. I
think [the reporter] is going to have to live with his actions. It's
something I've got to deal with when I go to New York. I'm going to talk
to their offices.

Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBA players association, issued
a statement that read, "Under the terms of our collective bargaining
agreement, all parties are prohibited from disclosing any information
relating to the anti-drug program.

Accordingly, neither the players association nor J.R. Rider will respond
to the allegations made by a New York Post columnist [Friday], other
than to say that the report is filled with inaccuracies."

The Lakers were contacted recently by the NBA about a matter pertaining
to Rider. "We're not allowed to comment," Laker Coach Phil Jackson said.
"And we have no knowledge of that, according to the contract.

I think a statement was issued by the players association.

"It's unfair to J.R., based on what the situation is. We just hope he
can play, and not let it affect him."

After some early-season issues with tardiness, Rider has been a decent
citizen. Lately, he'd taken Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to task for
not involving their teammates in the offense.