Nixon Just a Spectator as Lakers Beat Clippers, 129-120

The Clippers aren’t even close to signing free-agent point guard Norm Nixon, but at least they had the chance to take a long look at him Monday night at the Sports Arena.

Nixon, who had kept a low profile during his absence from the Clippers’ training camp, was definitely high profile as he watched the Lakers, his old team, beat the Clippers, his estranged team, 129-120, in an exhibition game before 8,116 fans.

He and wife Debbie Allen sat courtside near the Lakers’ bench, Nixon fashionably dressed in black leather pants and suede shoes. But when approached by reporters at halftime, Nixon immediately made it clear that it was curiousity rather than a new contract offer that made him show his newly bearded face at the Sports Arena.

“I was just curious to see what was happening,” Nixon said. “I wanted to see Benoit (Benjamin) and Max (Cedric Maxwell). And I like what I see. I like seeing those big bangers underneath and I like the mixture of veterans and young guys.”

Both Nixon and the Clippers say that the team’s chemistry won’t be complete without Nixon at point guard. But General Manager Carl Scheer said Monday that the club is no closer to signing Nixon than at any time during the summer. The Clippers have reportedly raised their offer to $500,000 a year for three years, but Nixon and agent Fred Slaughter are asking for $700,000 for three years.

Nixon said Monday that he expected his signing to take time, but now he is starting to wonder if he’ll sign at all.

“After Benjamin signed, I hoped attention would come back to me, but that hasn’t happened,” Nixon said. “I want to play. I’m an athlete first, and I’m anxious to get back. I’m at the point now where it’s hard to stay in condition. I’ve been working out at UCLA, but now colleges are starting practice.”

Scheer, sitting underneath the basket opposite Nixon, said he wasn’t at all surprised to see Nixon at the game.

“He knows players on both teams,” Scheer said. “There was never a doubt that we wanted Norm back. I think it’s possible to love a guy and still not give him everything he wants.”

If Nixon doesn’t reach an agreement with the Clippers, he could sit out the season if no other NBA team tenders an offer sheet.

“If it doesn’t look like anything’s going to happen, I probably will fly in to a couple of cities (whose teams) are interested in me,” he said.

Nixon jokingingly said he has another option that has absolutely nothing to do with basketball. “Jack (Nicholson) says he’ll get me into his next movie,” Nixon said, laughing. “Show me what some big money is.”

Laker/Clipper Notes

The Lakers had nine players in double figures, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading with 18 points. Magic Johnson had 18 points and 15 assists. Rookie A.C. Green made 7 of 12 shots, including four dunks in the second quarter. “Overall, A.C.’s play has been a real bright spot,” Coach Pat Riley said. “He’s very consistent and he definitely has the body to run on the break.” . . . Clipper Coach Don Chaney said he was pleased with his team’s play. “We cut down on our turnovers (16) and reached our goal for shot attempts (116),” he said. . . . Marques Johnson had 22 points for the Clippers, while Michael Cage and Derek Smith each had 18. Johnson started at point guard and was impressive. So was backup point guard Franklin Edwards (15 points). Neither Ray Williams nor Lancaster Gordon played.