Hawkins Happy to Be Here--for Now

Juaquin Hawkins was in uniform Friday night at the Forum, just as he expected.

Just not with whom he expected.

The Long Beach State product was supposed to be a 76er, not playing against them. At least that was the idea when he accepted a Philadelphia offer in the summer, hoping to make the team as a rookie free agent.

Before the 76ers sent the contract to be signed, the Lakers called. There went Philly.

His chances of making it here aren’t any better--Hawkins is almost sure to get his Juaquin papers when the Lakers make their cuts in about a week--but at least he’s in L.A., where, if nothing else, family and friends can see almost every game in person or on TV. And the colors are a natural--he wore purple and gold at Lynwood High and black and gold at Long Beach.

“I’ve just got look at this as a learning experience,” said Hawkins, a defensive specialist who has also impressed with his attitude. “And I have learned a lot. I’m still sort of surprised I’m here. I’m pleased, but I’m not satisfied.

“It’s raising my level of confidence. Every day, going against these guys, trying to make them better but at the same time also making myself better.”

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The job as head of basketball operations with the Dallas Mavericks is unexpectedly open after the resignation of Keith Grant, but Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak doesn’t figure to be a candidate again. . . . Jerome Kersey sat out Friday’s game because of a bruised left foot. . . . A review of the tape from Wednesday’s game against Dallas, prompted by questionable stats by the crew in Fresno, showed that Kobe Bryant made four of five shots in his debut, not four of four, in his 15 minutes.