Horry Backs Up Buddy Sprewell

He had been behind Latrell Sprewell, figuratively, from the start, offering support to a friend, even if the friend had attacked a coach.

Tuesday, Robert Horry of the Lakers was behind Sprewell literally, joining six members of the Golden State Warriors to stand on the back of the dais to offer support as Sprewell held a news conference in Oakland.

Joe Smith, Felton Spencer, Muggsy Bogues, Bimbo Coles, David Vaughn and Brian Shaw went directly from Warrior practice to attend the packed gathering as their former teammate spoke about the incident that has gained national attention, Sprewell’s assault on Golden State Coach P.J. Carlesimo. That Horry, a friend and former teammate from their days at Alabama, was able to attend was thanks mostly to the coincidence of the schedule--the Lakers had flown in from Portland earlier that day and had no practice.

“Odd and different,� Horry said. “I’m glad I experienced it.�

So who gave him a ride back to the Laker hotel about 15 minutes away afterward?

Sprewell.

“He was upbeat and cheerful,� Horry said. “He seemed in a good mood. He was happy to tell his side of it.�

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Eddie Jones, still bothered by a sore right wrist, had X-rays taken after the game. They came back negative, indicating no break, but the area just below the heel of the hand remained swollen.

“Something is not right with the wrist,� Jones said, though refusing to use it as the blame for the recent struggles. “But you know how I am. I’m still going to go out there every night.�

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The seven blocks by Elden Campbell against the Trail Blazers was the most by a Laker in a little more than a year, since Shaquille O’Neal also had seven on Dec. 6, 1996. . . . The Lakers are scheduled to issue another progress report on O’Neal today.