THE SCHEDULE

Spurs lead best-of-seven series, 2-1

Game 1: San Antonio 89, New York 77

Game 2: San Antonio 80, New York 67

Game 3: New York 89, San Antonio 81

Game 4: Wednesday at New York, 6 p.m.

Game 5: Friday at New York, 6 p.m.

Game 6: Sunday at San Antonio, 4:30 p.m.*

Game 7: June 29 at San Antonio, 6 p.m.*

TV: Ch. 4, all times Pacific; * If necessary

THE NOTES / Plan Targets Underclassmen

NBA Commissioner David Stern said Monday the league and the players’ union are close to agreement on a plan that would discourage players under a certain age--probably 20--from turning pro.

The plan would add one year to the rookie wage scale for 19-year-old rookies, and two years for 18-year-olds. Since players are already bound to the team that drafts them for five years before becoming eligible for free agency, Stern hopes this would convince young players they have nothing to gain by leaving school early.

“We took the idea to the NCAA,” Stern said, “and the best I can tell is they put it to a committee that appointed a subcommittee that appointed a task force and we are waiting for a response.”

Added Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik: “We’ve been waiting several months.”

Stern says he may now “go ahead and try to put in some rule that would have the effect of raising the beginning age.”

Dan Wasserman, a spokesman for the union, said the players are in general agreement with Stern.

*

Stern’s new 14-member special committee of owners, players and TV commentators Doug Collins and Hubie Brown, appointed to study ways to revive NBA offense, will meet today in New York.

The group is expected to endorse a conical lane and recommend instructing referees to clean up physical play, especially off the ball. The Board of Governors will make a final decision at its next meeting.

*

The Toronto Sun is reporting that Raptor power forward Charles Oakley, a free agent, “is leaning toward” joining the Lakers.

“There’s no question in my mind that he’ll be a Laker,” a source told the Sun.

Oakley’s business advisor, Billy Diamond, said Oakley “is blessed. His decision will be a pleasure decision, not a pressure decision. He doesn’t have to work another day in his life.”

Power forward is a Laker weakness and Executive Vice President Jerry West likes Oakley. Despite his modest numbers last season (7.0 points, 5.8 rebounds), Raptors officials praised him for changing attitudes in Toronto and spurring the team to its best finish.

*

When the Spurs are at home, Avery Johnson won’t leave his house on game days except to come to the arena. On the road, he has his wife, Cassandra, stay in a different hotel.

“Shoot, the ‘Little General’ is worse than me now,” Mario Elie said. “You can’t talk to me before games but you can’t even breathe on Avery.”

As Elie noted, he isn’t so mellow beforehand, either.

“If we were the Seven Dwarfs,” said Will Perdue, “he’d be Grumpy.”