RIDER REPORTEDLY AT ODDS WITH NBA OVER AFTER-CARE

NEW YORK--Isaiah Rider has chosen not to comply with the terms of the NBA's
drug after-care program because he believes he should not have been
assigned to it, according to a source with knowledge of what could become a
spirited conflict between the league and the players' association.

Rider is protesting the NBA's directive that he be tested and report for
counseling, the common approach for a first-time offender. Rider, however,
has insisted that he is not officially an offender, and therefore the
league does not have the authority to pursue its testing.

The situation stems from an incident last season, when Rider played for the
Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta General Manager Pete Babcock said then that he
received a telephone call from a security officer for an Orlando hotel,
where the Hawks had recently stayed. The officer allegedly discovered
evidence of marijuana use in Rider's vacated room, and Babcock said he
notified league security, which investigated.

Rider later accused teammates Dikembe Mutombo and LaPhonso Ellis of snitching.

However, Rider will claim that while he was accused of drug use on that
occasion, it was not established as fact.

Rider faces fines and suspensions from the league, along with disciplinary
measures by the Lakers, over the latest charges. It is possible the NBA,
whose offices are in New York, would take advantage of the Laker trip here
and try to meet with Rider.

The trouble comes at a time when Rider is playing his best basketball of
the season, Friday night proving his contention that the offense can be
balanced and serve its superstars.

"Collectively, for a few guys to have double figures and Shaq and Kobe to
still have their games and other guys help, it was good for the team," he
said. "It was a good lift."