Rider Feels He’s Staying After Talk With Jackson

Isaiah “J.R.” Rider posed for the team photo Thursday, but the question lingers--how much longer is he in the Laker picture?

Suspended for five games Wednesday for failing to comply with the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the oft-disciplined Rider met with Coach Phil Jackson on Thursday morning, then left, saying he remained a part of the team’s immediate future.

“The bottom line is, I was told I would be here . . . ,” Rider said. “They were very upset [Wednesday]. Today, [Jackson] is still upset, but he wants me to work out every day, be prepared and come back with a vengeance. His words were that I’m a very important part of this team.

“He knows I would like to play more. He knows I would like to be more productive. But he did say I can make or break this team in the playoffs. That’s a very significant role to be playing.

“Whether I play eight minutes or 25 minutes I’m going to try to play as hard as I can. He’s depending on me. So I’m going to try to show up and let him know he can depend on me.”

Rider was contrite during a short statement in which he apologized to his teammates and the fans. He said he has never tested positive for marijuana and that he would at least postpone his legal battle with the league regarding his inclusion in its after-care program, and comply with its terms, which would include counseling and could include periodic testing.

Rider assured Jackson and General Manager Mitch Kupchak that although he believed he was wrongly accused, he could live within the guidelines of the program. Although wary of more distractions in the final weeks of the regular season or the playoffs, Jackson and Kupchak apparently were appeased by Rider’s promises.

“Phil knows some of the things going on,” said Rider, who could return to the floor March 16 in Washington. “I won’t say he’s sympathetic. He’s a little understanding, though, and he knows I want to put this behind myself. He also agrees with me fighting for my rights. But enough is enough and we’re going to put this behind us.”

Jackson was unavailable for comment.

The Lakers watched film, had their team photograph taken and then met with union head Billy Hunter. Afterward, Rider apologized.

Kobe Bryant said it was unnecessary. He said he believed Rider was not finished with the Lakers.

“He’s been with us for this entire season,” Bryant said. “Why kick him to the curb now? That just doesn’t make sense. He made a mistake, but he’s here for the long haul. He’s our teammate. He’s a brother to us. When he comes back, we’ll bring him back in and work it out.”

On the prospect of Jackson finally losing his patience and Rider being waived, Bryant shook his head and said, “We’re going to have to see what happens. Personally, I don’t think that’s going to happen. I would be disappointed if it did happen.”

Rider has incurred perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines during his fight to stay out of the after-care program. The NBA demanded his participation after an incident a year ago, in which drug paraphernalia allegedly was discovered in his hotel room. He accused two Atlanta Hawk teammates--Dikembe Mutombo and LaPhonso Ellis--of turning him in. Hawk General Manager Pete Babcock said he’d made the call to the league.

“I didn’t feel like there was any reason for me to test,” other than once in training camp, when all players are tested, Rider said.

“It was the power of the NBA coming down on me. I tried to put it off and off and off, tried to fight them. This is what’s coming down here. The bottom line is, they won the battle and I’m going to do what I have to do to put it behind me.”

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The final bone scan on guard Derek Fisher’s right foot showed no irregularities. Fisher, recovering from a stress fracture, could be activated in as little as a week.

TONIGHT

vs. San Antonio, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

* Site: Staples Center.

* Radio: KLAC (570).

* Records: Lakers 41-19, Spurs 42-19.

* Record vs. Spurs: 2-1.

* Update: The Spurs have won five in a row and 10 of 12 road games after Thursday night’s 93-79 victory in Portland. Kobe Bryant had a sprained ankle and did not play when the Lakers beat the Spurs in San Antonio, 101-99, on Feb. 21. Bryant said Thursday that his ankles feel much better, evidenced by the 34 shots he took in Wednesday’s 97-85 victory over Toronto.

* Tickets: (800) 462-2849.