NBA : Lakers Look for Help From Strong; Clippers Face Bulls

The Lakers’ search for a dependable big man off the bench became a three-man affair Thursday, when free agent Derek Strong signed a one-year contract.

Strong, who joins Corie Blount and Pig Miller in trying to replace the retired Sam Bowie as the backup power forward and center, will earn $1 million this season. The Palisades High graduate has averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds during a four-year career with Washington, Milwaukee and Boston, last season contributing 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19.2 minutes with the Celtics.

A 6-foot-8, 250-pounder, Strong should be in uniform when the Lakers play the Houston Rockets tonight at New Orleans. Starting guard Anthony Peeler is doubtful and may also sit out the exhibition finale Saturday at Dallas because of a strained left shoulder.

Meanwhile, George Lynch’s return from off-season foot surgery progressed Wednesday, when he played for the first time. He had two points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in eight minutes in the loss to Cleveland at Kansas City, Mo.