Larry Johnson has to feel mighty unwelcome in New York. Yesterday's papers all but gave him the same "Good Riddance" they gave Patrick Ewing upon his trade to Seattle.

Knicks Coach Jeff Van Gundy is still counting LJ playing this season, according to the New York Times. "I'm expecting him to be ready," said Van Gundy, who has not spoken with Johnson during the off-season. "He would've called me if he wasn't going to be ready."

However, the New York Post reports that several people close to Johnson said that he is still mulling retirement. Because of chronic back pain, Johnson feels he can no longer be a full-time player. The Post also says that yesterday's report of a $14 million buyout was deemed "ludicrous" by one source.

"I know how team-oriented Larry is," Van Gundy said. "Larry has never been hard for me. I'm not anticipating any problems. If he was contemplating some career change, I'd be shocked if he hadn't called me."