Notes on a Scorecard - Feb. 20, 1996

It’s a pity that the only intracity rivalry in the NBA isn’t more competitive. . . .

The Lakers own a 47-14 edge over the Clippers since the Donald moved his franchise from San Diego to Los Angeles for the 1984-85 season. . . .

Otherwise, I might be more excited about the rare back-to-back games that will be played between the two L.A. teams at the Forum tonight and the Sports Arena on Wednesday. . . .

Shucks, the Clippers won’t even have a legitimate home-court advantage at the Sports Arena, where the majority of the crowd roots for the Lakers. . . .

The Lakers’ only complaint about playing there came a few years ago when some of them gripped that they weren’t being paid full per diem for a road game. . . .

The Clippers are happy to come into tonight’s game with a one-game winning streak after ending a nine-game losing streak. . . .

The Lakers are happy to have a five-game winning streak. . . .

They have played so well since Magic Johnson’s return that they are optimistic that they can return to the NBA championship series after a four-year absence, which just happens to match the number of years that Johnson sat out after contracting HIV. . . .

More will be known about the Lakers’ chances after their game Saturday at Houston against the two-time defending NBA champion Rockets. . . .

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“Tin Cup” star Kevin Costner and writer-director Ron Shelton will play together in the Pro-Am at the Nissan Open on Wednesday at Riviera. . . .

The motion picture about a struggling but talented golfer who operates a driving range in Texas and then qualifies for the U.S. Open is scheduled to open in theaters this summer. . . .

Costner hadn’t played much golf before preparing for his role but took lessons from Gary McCord, developed a sweet-looking swing and has become a 16-handicapper. Shelton, a former second baseman in the Baltimore Oriole chain, is a 10. . . .

Nissan Open officials are praying that it won’t rain the remainder of the week. The last thing they want are soft greens, similar to those at Riviera during the PGA Championship last summer. . . .

Go ahead, Wayne Lukas, and start Serena’s Song against Cigar in the Santa Anita Handicap on March 2. . . .

You always think big and, besides, what is there to lose? . . .

Serena’s Song has shown twice already that she can come back from defeats. She was beaten badly in the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, but didn’t let either race bother her. . . .

She would be the 37th filly or mare to compete in the Big Cap. None has won. But Serena’s Song is unbeaten in six races in Arcadia. . . .

Today is the third anniversary of Cigar’s first race. At odds of 5-1, he finished seventh, 13 lengths behind the winner of a maiden event at Santa Anita. . . .

Watching USC lose to Arizona on Saturday from a seat several rows behind the Wildcat bench was ousted Trojan Coach Charlie Parker. . . .

This is also cross-town rivalry week in college basketball, USC facing UCLA on Thursday night at the Sports Arena. . . .

Connecticut is ranked third in both the men’s and women’s polls. . . .

Massachusetts, which is trying to become the first unbeaten NCAA Division I team since Indiana in 1976, has games left against Rhode Island, George Washington, St. Joseph’s and Louisville and then the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament before the NCAA tournament begins. . . .

The Minutemen’s biggest obstacle to becoming the first team to finish the regular season unbeaten since Nevada Las Vegas in 1990 figures to be Louisville on the road March 2. . . .

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Promoter Bob Arum expects to sell two million closed-circuit TV seats at $10, $20 and $30 apiece in Mexico alone for the Oscar De La Hoya-Julio Cesar Chavez fight on June 7. . . .

Chavez will be the sentimental favorite south of the border, but De La Hoya was greeted warmly in Mexico City, where a news conference was held last week. The 22-city, 12-day U.S. tour kicks off in L.A. on March 4. . . .

It’s hard to believe that Steve Howe is about to begin his 13th season in the major leagues. . . .

Spring training is too long, especially now that most ballplayers stay in shape the year round. . . .

Above all, controversial Charlie Finley should be remembered for building three consecutive World Series championship teams in the 1970s that are among the greatest and most underrated ever.