Mother of Malone Dies at 64

Karl Malone’s mother, Shirley Jackson Malone, died Wednesday morning in Eldorado, Ark., of a massive heart attack at the age of 64, according to a Laker spokesperson.

Given the news as he boarded a team bus in New York City to attend a U.S. Olympic practice, Malone immediately left for Arkansas. A funeral is scheduled for Friday in Eldorado, Laker publicist John Black said.

Malone, who turned 40 last month, is the youngest of five children. He signed with the Lakers in July after 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz. Those who had spent time with him as the Olympic qualifying tournament approached had said they had never seen him so buoyant. His mother had not been ill, according to reports.

Before he left, Malone indicated he could return in time for the team’s Monday night flight to Puerto Rico, where the 11-day tournament will be held.

The U.S. team, which opens Wednesday against Brazil, will scrimmage today at John Jay College and play an exhibition game Friday night at Madison Square Garden against the Puerto Rican national team.

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The Lakers signed guards Ime Udoka and Maurice Carter. Udoka averaged 19.4 points and 9.2 rebounds for the USBL’s Adirondack Wildcats last season. He played at Portland State. Carter, who played four seasons at Louisiana State, averaged 28 points for the Texas Rim Rockers of the USBL last season.

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Laker trainer Gary Vitti will host a charity wine tasting to benefit battered women and their children Sept. 21 at Zazou in Redondo Beach. Vitti hopes to raise money for A Window Between Worlds, a nonprofit organization that uses art to help heal the wounds of domestic violence. Details: (310) 396-0317.