Harris Will Let ‘Dennis Be Dennis’

Even before Dennis Rodman finally signed with the Lakers on Tuesday, Coach Del Harris made it clear that it would be senseless to expect perfect behavior from the free-spirited forward.

“Being on a team is about a give and take,” Harris said Tuesday. “The key element is to be a good team man, particularly on the court. We will allow Dennis to be Dennis . . .

“I know that first of all what everybody says about Dennis Rodman is he’s a team guy.”

Rodman signed a one-year deal with the player having a $1.1-million option for next season.

Harris said that, assuming Rodman participates in this afternoon’s special practice at the Great Western Forum, it will be up to Rodman to decide whether he wants to make his debut Thursday or Friday.

Harris left little doubt that once Rodman is in shape, he will be in the starting lineup.

“Well, you’re looking at a seven-time running rebound champion,” Harris said. “It’s going to be hard to keep somebody like that out of the lineup, if he comes out and plays.”

Said Kobe Bryant: “We know he’s going to wear high heels and dresses and go off to Vegas to get married. But I can put up with that for a championship ring.”

*

Forward Robert Horry, out the last seven games after an irregularity was detected in his heartbeat, was cleared to rejoin the team after a re-examination Tuesday. Horry is expected to practice today and perhaps play Thursday.

Rookie Ruben Patterson went on the injured list because of tendinitis in the knee to make roster room for Rodman.