PRO BASKETBALL / UPDATE : LAKERS : Leave Guarantees of Victory to Riley

Coach Randy Pfund had fun Monday when asked his reaction to Phoenix Coach Paul Westphal’s declaration Sunday that the Suns “will win Tuesday, win the next game on Thursday and then come back here (to Phoenix) and win the series.”

Quipped Pfund: “I thought (Pat) Riley was the only one who could make those guarantee statements,” referring to Riley’s promise that the Lakers would win consecutive championships in 1987 and ’88.

Asked again, Pfund said: “I’m glad (Westphal) said that because I didn’t know what day the games were.”

Pfund discovered upon his return from Phoenix on Sunday that he had many new friends.

“I had 32 phone calls on my answering machine,” he said. “I pretty quick went from an unemployed coach to a guy who’s a pretty smart coach.

“But my best friend didn’t call me. I know why he didn’t: because he knows we haven’t accomplished anything yet. He won’t call me until we win another basketball game, and to me that’s where we’re at.

“We’ve played good, we’re into the series two games and we’ve got the advantage, but we’re smart enough to know it takes three wins to advance, so we’ll keep focused on those things that will get us another victory.”

General Manager Jerry West reiterated that Pfund’s performance will be evaluated by owner Jerry Buss after the season, but it’s clear the team’s success in the playoffs can only help Pfund’s chances of retaining his job.

“If we’re fortunate enough to win another game, it would give our players and coaches enough to erase the 43 games they didn’t win and focus on the positive side of the game,” West said. “It also gives the fans some hope there’s still some life left here. . . . I tried to say all along it’s grossly unfair that people will look at Randy and judge him while the season is going on.”

Phoenix point guard Kevin Johnson is expected to play tonight, despite a slightly sprained left ankle. Laker guard Tony Smith, who pulled a groin muscle Sunday, is probable for tonight, according to trainer Gary Vitti. . . . The victories at Phoenix spurred weekend sales of 6,500 tickets for tonight’s game at the Forum. Tickets were sold out Monday afternoon.