Rambis Issues Defensive Challenge to Rice

Laker Coach Kurt Rambis, who has told his players he expects them to take care of their individual matchups on defense with very few double teams, said he spoke to newly acquired Glen Rice on Wednesday and spoke about defensive responsibilities.

Rice, one of the most prolific shooters in the league for his nine-plus seasons, has not been known as a tight man-to-man defender.

“I talked to him today and I challenged him that that’s something we’re doing and he’s going to have to step up and do,” Rambis said. “And he said no problem.

“He’s just going to have to honor his part of the bargain.”

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Will there be any problems with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Rice on the floor together, seeking shots?

No way, said Bryant, considering the diversity of their offensive styles.

“It’s going to be fun,” Bryant said. “You know why? Because we’re three different styles of basketball players.

“Glen likes to come off screens, and Kurt, he’s been adding a lot of plays for guys coming off of screens. . . . Me, personally, I like to handle the ball, I like to get into the middle and create.

“Shaq, everybody knows what Shaq likes to do.”

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Executive Vice President Jerry West said he considered forward J.R. Reid, who led the Hornets with a 14.5-point scoring average before the trade, a key piece of the trade with Charlotte.

“Obviously, we think that’s a piece you people are going to overlook,” West said. “We’re very pleased with him. We think he’s matured a lot as a player. . . . Seems like he’s found a way for him to be successful in this league. He’s a tough guy and he’ll bring us some more toughness.”

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Here’s how the salaries work in this trade:

The Lakers give up Eddie Jones and his pro-rated $2.2-million salary this season (and $2.5-million salary for 1999-2000) and Elden Campbell ($7-million salary, plus 15% increase because of a trade clause).

The Hornets give up Rice ($5.42-million salary-cap number), Reid ($780,000) and B.J. Armstrong ($2.8 million, which the Lakers must pay even though they released him immediately).

The Lakers also must pay Corie Blount his $1.6-million salary even though he also was released.

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Dennis Rodman’s ejection after his second technical foul Wednesday was his third technical foul in two games, but Rambis said he wasn’t deeply worried about the trend.

“I know Dennis didn’t want to get the second one [in the third quarter],” Rambis said after the game. “I don’t know what the situation was with the first one, but he was very upset about the second one.

“He left word that he was sorry, so I know he definitely didn’t want to get the second one.”