More rumours

["Icarus" <skmishra@sprintmail.com>]

Mitch Lawrence in his sunday column wrote:

Despite indications pointing to Del Harris' return, the Lakers have not
written that in stone, perhaps because they're still intent on talking to
Phil Jackson. "They think Phil can come in and change the players'
attitudes," said one source. "They're interested."

We'll know how much perhaps this week. Word is, if roster remains intact,
Harris is a goner and Jackson would be on his way to L.A. But if there are
changes — with Nick Van Exel, Elden Campbell and Eddie Jones being shopped,
you'd expect a move or two — Harris will get reprieve. One move seems
certain: Kobe Bryant has been penciled in at starting point guard for next
season. Wonder what the record for turnovers is in a season.

While Jackson's exit from Chicago is a virtual lock, spies say Bulls
assistant Jimmy Rodgers walked away when told he was not going to be the new
head coach. Michael Jordan could not have liked that decision by the two
Jerry's. Rodgers was Jordan's No. 1 choice to take over for the Zen Master,
but Reinsdorf and Krause are intent on showing Jordan they're going to
continue to call the shots.

Those who cared to notice insist that Reinsdorf got no closer to Jordan in
the post-game celebration than Bryon Russell did in the final five seconds.
. . . Player most likely to be traded Wednesday on draft day? Latrell
Sprewell. Warriors continue to weigh offers from Miami and San Antonio,
among others. . . . . . . Having the final pick of the first tier of players
(No. 8), Philly has been actively shopping it. Word is Sixers are scared to
death that Kansas F Raef LaFrentz will fall all the way to their spot.
LaFrentz, once considered a top-four pick, has been having terrible
workouts.

Going Cold Turkey: But will he stand for Turkish national anthem? Mahmoud
Abdul-Rauf, fearing he'll get nothing more than the $275,000 minimum — or
whatever it is in the new labor agreement — already has signed to play in
Turkey next season for $1.5 mil. Net. Watch for more minimum-salary types to
copy the move and get their millions overseas. . . . Keep an eye on Magic
using one of picks to grab Jersey prep star Al Harrington. . . .

After working out Michael Doleac, Kentucky's Nazr Mohammed, Cincy's Ruben
Patterson and Duke's Roshown McLeod, Celtics all but certain to take
Mohammed, since A) Rick Pitino knows him and B) He adds shot-blocking to
Celtics, who ranked 21st last year in that department. Celts came away from
Doleac workout thinking he's no more than backup on a good team. . . . NBC
Sports boss Dick Ebersol spent half-hour behind closed doors with Jerry
Krause during Finals. Any chance Michael Jordan's name came up in that
conversation?

Dropping Bibby: Talk is Clippers backing off taking Mike Bibby with No. 1
pick, and instead, trying to work a deal to move down, grab Pacific C
Michael Olowokandi, along with a veteran PG. Bucks also trying to package
their two No. 1's (9 and 19) with Terrell Brandon to move up for Olowokandi.
What scouts are salivating about is not Kandi Man's legit 6-11 3/4 height,
but that 92-inch wingspan. . . .

If Raptors select Tractor Traylor with No. 4 pick, look for them to ship
Marcus Camby out. . . . As of last week, only candidate Clips had talked to
regarding head coaching opening was Paul Westphal. . . . Best thing about
NBA stars not playing this summer at World Championships in Greece? No easy
wins for U.S. . . . Last time Knicks and Nets both did not have a No. 1
pick? 1976, unless you consider 1986, when Knicks took Kenny Walker and Nets
grabbed Pearl Washington. . . .

 Lakers' quest for a power forward already has them talking to Magic about
Horace Grant. Derrick Coleman's name also has come up, as has Anthony
Mason's. Got to think they've talked to Knicks about Charles Oakley, who'd
be the perfect fit with Shaquille O'Neal. . . . If they don't package their
three No. 1 picks to move up, good chance Rockets will take Texas HS star
Rashard Lewis. . . . Utah's decision not to exercise option with Orlando and
take No. 13 pick resulted from Jazz's inability to find a team with
top-eight pick with which to make a deal. Jazz, who were targeting Doleac,
get the pick next June regardless if it's lottery or not. . . .

True to form as a slow mover, Bucks owner Herb Kohl has only recently gotten
around to addressing whether Chris Ford will stay on as head coach. A good
indication of how Kohl feels is that he offered the post to Utah's Rick
Majerus, but again was turned down. George Karl now tops list. Karl's demand
for big money ($6-7 mil per) and total control makes it almost impossible
for him to get Clips' position. . . .

No question which draftee merits close watching Wednesday: Ball State's G
Bonzi Wells. One agent called him "the Randy Moss of the draft." Wells
refused Celtics' request to work out, saying he wants to go to a team where
he can start. Pistons could grab him at No. 11, pending more background
checks. . .

 Rockets know they're playing with fire if they continue to talk to teams
about Hakeem Olajuwon, so they're likely to pull him off trading block.
"He'll be very upset if he thinks we're shopping him around," said one
Rocket voice. As if it's been a big secret. . . . The talk about Allen
Iverson being available? He's in Philly to stay.