Arguing Calls Is Hot Issue Again

Zebra hunting, that once-favorite of Laker pastimes, is back. Not to the degree of past seasons, when it left Coach Del Harris clearly frustrated, but back nonetheless.

Said Harris, noting the “little nitpicking all the time and begging for calls”:

“We’ve been awfully good up until the last few games. We need to get away from that and into accepting bad calls and play through it.”

Said forward Rick Fox: “I think we need to leave the refs alone. From tipoff to the buzzer. We’ve all been guilty of it at times, but I think lately it’s been a crutch if you want to get down to it. In essence, it’s an excuse.

“If we communicated with each other the way we do referees, first of all we’d be a hell of a defensive team and we would not have as many mishaps out there . . . If we’re going to be basketball players and referees, it’s going to take away our focus.”

TONIGHT

vs. Denver

7:30

Fox Sports

West

Site--Great Western Forum.

Radio--KLAC (570), KWKW (1330).

Records--Lakers 35-15, Nuggets 5-46.

Record vs. Nuggets--2-0.

Update--The Nuggets had hoped to have a new head of basketball operations a week ago, but are willing to wait a while longer on their No. 1 target, Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak. He is considered unlikely to make the move.