Rider Comforted by Jackson Talk

A smiling Isaiah Rider said Thursday night that he is closer to understanding what the Lakers plan for him--and that he is willing to go along.

After two days during which he reported nearly one hour late for a game and then blamed reporters for what he perceived was their role in his predicament, Rider apparently found comfort in a lengthy conversation with Coach Phil Jackson.

“I talked to Phil,” Rider said. “He wants me to succeed. He wants me to show the world. He wants the best for me. Period. That’s what they’re after. Ultimately they want to play me more, ultimately they want me to do well. Ultimately they want me to be a big part of it. For a second there I felt like I was an outcast, that I wasn’t a part of it. We talked and everything was fine.”

Jackson, who appreciates the occasional eccentric personality but clearly was bothered by the Rider’s recent transgression, seemed willing to move past it.

“We’re going about it as business as usual,” Jackson said. “I had to deal with Dennis Rodman for three years. This is hardly a blip on the radar screen.”

Rider admitted he became as disappointed with his play as he was with his playing time.

“Part of it, when I come into a practice or when I come into a game, 14 minutes have gone by, whatever, I want to do well,” he said. “I don’t care if I play 18 minutes. I just don’t think my 20 minutes a game so far have been as good as Isaiah Rider can play. Some of it has to do with me. Some of it has to do with the group I’m playing with. I feel like in order for me to get more minutes, or to become a starter, I put pressure on myself. Some of it is that I’m upset with myself. I’m not playing bad, but I want to kind of pick that up.”

TONIGHT

vs. San Antonio

7:30, Fox Sports Net

* Site--Staples Center

* Radio--KLAC (570)

* Records--Lakers 11-5, Spurs 10-4.

* Record vs. Spurs--0-1.

* Update--After their 10-point loss in San Antonio on Nov. 8, the Lakers won eight of nine games before Thursday’s blowout in Seattle. Shaquille O’Neal scored a season-low 13 points against the Spurs, but took 17 rebounds, two off his season high. The Lakers are 3-2 in the second of back-to-back games.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849