Del Harris

Del Harris found a job Tuesday--at least a part-time one. The former Laker coach, as part of what looks like a Milwaukee coaching reunion, will be a playoff consultant to Buck Coach George Karl. Karl recruited Harris, University of Utah Coach Rick Majerus and former Marquette assistant Gerald Oliver to help during the playoffs. Harris was the Bucks' coach for four years, from 1987-88 until he was fired 17 games into the 1991-92 season.

In an interview to be aired today on ESPN, Del Harris spoke publicly for the first time since his Feb. 24 firing as Laker coach, saying that he takes no pleasure in watching his former team struggle under Kurt Rambis. "I do feel sorry as I watch the guys I care for suffering--my assistant coaches, or the players I spent time with," Harris told interviewer Gary Miller. "People may think that I take delight in them losing--I don't.

I have kids, I should have known about Dennis Rodman's attitude: Tell 'em they can't and they will fool you every time. BOB GINN, Arcadia Rodman's experience and play seem to have inspired this young Laker team and electrified this short basketball season. He has brought excitement to basketball, much as McGwire and Sosa did for baseball and Flutie for football. Rambis, keep bringing Rodman off the bench. The anticipation of his coming in is enough to thrill the fans and chill the opponents.

Kurt Rambis, an assistant under Del Harris for five-plus seasons until Harris was fired and Rambis elevated to Laker head coach, said he has tried to reach Harris since the firing, to no avail. "I got an answering machine and the next time it just kept ringing," Rambis said Monday. "So I don't know what the story is. "I just wanted to say a few things to him. I know it was hard for him to get fired and it's just tough to be in that situation.

The guy who used to play power forward for the Lakers showed up at 4:40 p.m., ready to start his new job. In 20 minutes Kurt Rambis, the lunch-pail guy, would be introduced as the head coach of one of the most glamorous teams in sports. He arrived by himself, clutching a picture of his daughter in costume for her role as Little Miss Muffett in the school play. It was as calm and normal a moment as there has been around the Lakers this week. Rambis knew it wouldn't last.

The Lakers just went from Showtime to Freakshow Time. JIM ANGERMAN, Pasadena It's Sideshow Time. JOHN ROTUNNI, Glendora Del Harris is fired on the day he would otherwise have become Dennis Rodman's coach. Quite possibly, Mr. Harris is the luckiest man on the planet (which Mr. Rodman is just visiting). MEL POWELL, Los Angeles The good thing about Del Harris was all the kind words said about him. "Class act." "Nice man." "Well liked." But not once did anyone say "great coach," "fierce competitor" or "leader."

"He improved the Lakers' regular-season record in four consecutive years, a feat accomplished by only eight other coaches in NBA history." --Laker release, announcing Del Harris' firing * Yeah, and the other eight probably didn't get canned in year five, either. What is this, Comedy Central?

REGULAR SEASON *--* Year Team W-L Pct 1979-80 Houston 41-41 .500 1980-81 Houston 40-42 .488 1981-82 Houston 46-36 .561 1982-83 Houston 14-68 .171 1987-88 Milwaukee 42-40 .512 1988-89 Milwaukee 49-33 .598 1989-90 Milwaukee 44-38 .537 1990-91 Milwaukee 48-34 .585 1991-92 Milwaukee 8-9 .471 1994-95 Lakers 48-34 .585 1995-96 Lakers 53-29 .646 1996-97 Lakers 56-26 .683 1997-98 Lakers 61-21 .744 1999 Lakers 6-6 .500 Totals 556-457 .549 *--* PLAYOFFS *--* Year Team W-L Pct 1979-80 Houston 2-5 .

The best thing to say about what remains of the Lakers' season is that at least it's shorter than usual. Only 38 games left, and now it's more important to watch the calendar than the standings. After firing Del Harris on Wednesday, the Lakers are biding time from here on out, counting the days until they can bring in a coach who will get the most from these players. Let one of the assistants--the pick here is Larry Drew--handle the duties for now.