Stern Tells Lakers League Is Putting Safety First

NBA Commissioner David Stern flew in from New York on Friday morning, four days early for the ring ceremony, but in time to reassure the players that their safety is of paramount concern to the NBA. He met with the Lakers in their locker room for about 30 minutes before their final exhibition game, against the Phoenix Suns.

“I’m here to reinforce the fact we’re taking the security issues very seriously as it relates to the building, fans, players and player travel,” Stern said. “We have an opportunity to lead by some combination of prudence [and] reasonable prevention, and at the same time setting the example of going about our business.”

Stern, of course, won’t be here for Tuesday’s ceremony. Deputy commissioner Russ Granik will hand out the rings and watch the banner rise while Stern attends opening-night ceremonies in New York and New Jersey. Stern also will attend the Washington Wizards’ home opener next Saturday night, he said, to mourn the Pentagon victims as he does the World Trade Center’s.

While Stern had hoped the Lakers would have delayed their celebration, he said it was entirely up to the organization.

“If we wanted it moved it would have been moved,” he said. “That’s the league’s ceremony.”

Stern is on a tour of NBA teams.

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Not satisfied with Slava Medvedenko’s play at center Thursday night, Laker Coach Phil Jackson gave some of those backup minutes to Samaki Walker on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. Walker started at power forward.