Stern Addresses Security Issues

The final day of the Clippers’ training camp featured a scrimmage played in front of sellout crowd of more than 1,500 at College of the Desert and a closed-door meeting with David Stern, NBA commissioner.

Spectators saw a team coached by injured forward Lamar Odom and assistants Rex Kalamian and Igor Kokoskov defeat a team coached by assistants Dennis Johnson and Mo McHone, 83-73.

The Clippers’ cheerleaders performed and there was an autograph session at the conclusion of the two-hour open house at Wright Gymnasium.

“It was a great scrimmage and everybody had a great time,” said Coach Alvin Gentry, who watched from the end of one of the benches. Of Odom, who has been nursing an abdominal strain the last two days, Gentry said, “He’ll be ready to play in the opener Tuesday. If we would have had a game today, he would have played.”

Later, after the fans had departed, Stern spoke to the team about new security procedures established in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Stern has been on a whirlwind tour, visiting with as many teams as possible to give a similar talk.

Friday, he was at Staples Center to speak with the Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors, who played a doubleheader.

Saturday, he visited with the Kings in Sacramento before spending about 15 minutes with the Clippers.

“We want to make sure the arenas are safe,” Stern told reporters. “We want to make sure travel is safe. League security personnel will travel with teams from arena to plane to hotel.

“Buildings will be evaluated every night. There are just lots more processes now. [But] despite all the craziness all around us, it’s looks like we’re going to have an exciting year.”

*

The Clippers won’t practice today, but will announce their final roster moves after Monday’s workout at L.A. Southwest College. They’ll then fly to Texas to begin a two-game trip, Tuesday at San Antonio against the Spurs and Thursday at Houston.