Blount Gets $1.43 Million to Remain a Laker

The Lakers on Tuesday picked up the option on reserve forward Corie Blount, a decision that had been expected for weeks.

Blount probably earned the move, worth a 1997-98 contract of $1.43 million, with his play in the second half of the just-completed season. That included the best stretch of his four-year career--six double-doubles in 12 games as part of averaging 9.1 rebounds and 8.4 points in 16 consecutive starts at power forward.

In all, he set career highs in scoring (4.2), rebounding (4.8), minutes (17.4) and shooting (51.4%).