David Rivers Signs With Lakers

David Rivers, who signed a contract with the Lakers Tuesday that reportedly is worth about $400,000 over two seasons, said he was not interested in prolonging negotiations with the team.

“I just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible because I have some things I want to do for my family,” said Rivers, who was the 25th and last player selected in the first round of the June draft. “I want to do some things for my parents as soon as possible.”

A 6-foot point guard, four-time most valuable player at Notre Dame and 23-year-old son of Willie and Mamie Rivers of Jersey City, N.J., Rivers said he has been told that he will be used mostly as a backup to Magic Johnson.

Described as a “genius with the basketball” by Laker General Manager Jerry West, Rivers is Notre Dame’s all-time leader in assists and steals and ranks third in scoring.

He said that his preferred style of play is identical to the Lakers’.

“They love to run and all they do is run,” he said. “And I love to run. That’s how I learned the game. And having the opportunity to join a club like this is great. I’ll try to make the most of it.”