Fisher Returns Briefly as Starter

By TIM KAWAKAMI

April 5, 2000 12 AM PT

PHOENIX — Derek Fisher, who started 20 of the first 21 games of the season because of Kobe Bryant’s broken right hand, was back in the starting lineup Tuesday with Bryant sitting out a one-game fighting suspension.

Fisher, who didn’t know of the starting nod until minutes before tipoff, said before the game that he relished the chance to line up against one of his point-guard heroes, Kevin Johnson.

“The couple times I’ve had to chase him around when I was playing, I enjoyed that,” Fisher said of Johnson, making his first appearance in Phoenix since his retirement in 1998.

“He’s one of the guys I grew up watching and wanting to be like and patterning yourself after guys like him. Just like some guys at other positions dreamed of matching up against Michael [Jordan], you always enjoy matching up against guys at your position who are some of the best players in the league.”

Coach Phil Jackson said, after having to play Johnson many times in the past, he had no extra desire to see the Suns’ guard again.

“We had a series against him one year--he’s a pain in the butt,” Jackson said.

But, with the Arizona Diamondbacks staging their home opener at the same time across the street, Jackson said he didn’t think the emotions would run too high in America West Arena.

“They’re already watching baseball here in this town,” Jackson said. “They’re not paying attention to the basketball team now.

“I think most of the people will be over there watching Randy Johnson tonight.”

Jackson said he spoke with Bryant immediately after Sunday’s fight with Chris Childs and reinforced the idea that Bryant must turn the other cheek in vital situations, such as the playoffs.

“Even Michael Jordan took a swing at Reggie Miller--and God knows he deserved it--but it still doesn’t mean that it’s right, you know?” Jackson said.

“From that standpoint, coming with the playoffs on our heels here, just a few games left in the regular season, it should put in your mind, ‘This could cost our team a game in the playoffs if I retaliated like this.’ ”

TONIGHT

at Golden State Warriors

7:30

* Site--The Arena in Oakland.

* TV--Channel 9.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 63-12, Warriors 17-57.

* Season record vs. Warriors--3-0.

* Update--The Warriors, beset with injuries and the normal end-of-season malaise, have lost nine in a row, but still probably won’t catch the Clippers or Chicago Bulls for the worst record in the league.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Triple Plays / The Big 3

Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Glen Rice have been the driving force behind the Lakers’ success. How they fared:

O’NEAL

*--*

Tue. Season 32 Points 29.2 7 Rebounds 13.6 2 Assists 3.7

*--*

BRYANT

*--*

Tue. Season DNP Points 22.2 DNP Rebounds 6.1 DNP Assists 4.7

*--*

RICE