Lakers Boost Bench by Signing 6-9 Woolridge

In a move aimed at increasing their bench strength and adding versatility to their offense, the Lakers signed veteran free agent Orlando Woolridge to a multi-year contract Wednesday.

Terms of the contract were not announced, but a source close to the team said Tuesday that the Lakers will pay the seven-year National Basketball Assn. veteran close to $500,000 for the 1988-89 season, which is about the maximum the Lakers are allowed because of salary-cap restrictions. The team will increase that amount in subsequent seasons.

Woolridge’s agent, Larry Fleisher, speaking at a Forum press conference, declined to discuss the contract but said Woolridge’s deal with the Lakers is for much less than other teams were offering.

“This was not his highest offer, not by a significant amount,” Fleisher said.

The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly offered Woolridge a five-year guaranteed contract, but Woolridge said he was no closer to signing with the 76ers than with any other team.

Woolridge, 28, has played with the Chicago Bulls and most recently the New Jersey Nets. Woolridge, a 6-foot 9-inch forward, was the Nets’ leading scorer during the 1986-87 season, averaging 20.7 points a game, but was suspended last February for drug-related problems.

He recently completed in-patient treatment at a rehabilitation program in a Van Nuys clinic and has been participating in an after-care program there. The proximity of that clinic, according to Fleisher, was one of the reasons Woolridge chose Los Angeles.

“A lot of personal consideration went into his decision,” Fleisher said. “First, there’s the opportunity to play on a winning team. Second, it’s an opportunity for him to be around the rehabilitation center, and third, (the Lakers) have a good reputation (where drugs are concerned), so he will be around some stable guys.”

Said Woolridge: “I have a new lease on life now. . . . I’m still involved with the program on a day-to-day basis. I’m just excited that Jerry (Laker general manager Jerry West) has the confidence in me.”

West said that Woolridge, who is expected to give the Lakers added scoring punch coming off the bench, has proven he can play and should add flexibility to the Lakers.

“With the tremendous amount of talent coming into the NBA each year, we have a unique opportunity in Orlando,” West said. “He’s a proven scorer with all-star capabilities.”

As for what Woolridge’s exact role will be, West said it will vary, depending on the situation.

“He gives us many options,” he said. “It might be A.C. (Green) and Woolridge or (James) Worthy and Woolridge. Either way we’ll have a quick and big front line, and it will make us more flexible.

“Orlando is a good ballhandler, too. I can even envision Woolridge and Magic (Johnson) in the back court. That would certainly give some teams problems.”

Said Woolridge: “I think my role will be to come in and add a little punch when they need it. And I give them more depth at the forward position.

“Being on the bench doesn’t really bother me. I just want to contribute any way I can. My only concern is to play to the best of my ability and I hope I can be an integral part of this program.”