Lakers Show Support for Harris by Discussing Contract Extension

Reaffirming their support of Del Harris in the wake of their early exit from the playoffs, the Lakers are negotiating a contract extension with their coach that could keep him in Los Angeles at least through 1998-99.

“We haven’t got it done,” said Jerry West, the Lakers’ executive vice president. “But we have talked to him about it.”

Harris joined the Lakers on May 13, 1994, with a contract that included two years plus an option. Before that first season was over, and he was named the NBA’s coach of the year, the option for 1996-97 was picked up.

That makes the upcoming season the last on the current pact. The sides are believed to be working on a two-year extension.

Harris, at the finals as a commentator for ESPN’s Spanish-language broadcasts, would not discuss particulars of the potential deal, but said: “I like Los Angeles and I like our team . . . There’s been some talk, but nothing right now to report.”

Harris is 101-63 in his two seasons with the Lakers.