Thompson to Fill XTRA Slot

After 15 weeks of tryouts with a variety of guests, XTRA (690 and 1150) has decided on former Laker Mychal Thompson as the permanent partner for talk show host Steve Hartman.

Thompson, who begins his new job Monday, is also the leading candidate to become the Lakers’ new radio commentator.

“We’re still negotiating, but it’s looking good,” Thompson said Wednesday of the Laker position.

The Lakers need to hire a radio announcing team now that the simulcasts have been scrapped. Laker flagship station KLAC (570) is a Clear Channel sister station of XTRA, but according to XTRA program director Don Martin, one job has nothing to do with the other.

Thompson will be Hartman’s new partner on the noon-3 p.m. “Loose Cannons” show whether things work out with the Lakers or not.

Thompson, a member of Laker championship teams in 1987 and ‘88, was among more than 30 tryouts and guest co-hosts since former “Loose Cannon” Bill Werndl quit Feb. 27.

Thompson has done commentating for the Seattle SuperSonics, Vancouver Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves over the last 11 seasons, and he did a talk show with Kermit Washington in Portland for 4 1/2 years.

-- Larry Stewart