Wednesday, November 21, 2001 - It was just Monday morning when swingman Isaiah "J.R." Rider talked in depth about playing host tonight to his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

L.A. LAKERS AT DENVER


7 o'clock tonight, TV: FSN, Radio: KKFN 950 AM

Key matchup: Shaquille O'Neal vs. Raef LaFrentz

The NBA's leading scorer and most physically imposing player is here in the 7-foot-1, 315-pound O'Neal. The Lakers' center is averaging a league-best 30.3 points, is fourth in rebounding average (12.3) and second in blocks (3.0).

The Nuggets usually guard O'Neal with all-star forward Antonio McDyess. But with McDyess out until February after knee surgery on his left knee, the 6-11, 245-pound LaFrentz has the assignment. Reserves Scott Williams (6-10, 245) and Shawnelle Scott (6-11, 250) should also see time.

Notebook

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is averaging 27.7 points, and will be guarded by Nuggets swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad. Abdul-Wahad was limited in Tuesday's practice, resting his ailing left knee. He is expected to play tonight. Nuggets trainer Jim Gillen has no concerns with the activation of swingman Calbert Cheaney, who was on the injured list with a sprained left knee. When asked about his role, Cheaney said: "I am not concerned about that. It is a team effort." The game is sold out, but there may be some standing room only tickets available.

Fashion police

Nine players reportedly have been fined $5,000 each by the NBA for wearing their shorts too low during games.

The Associated Press reported the Nuggets' Nick Van Exel and the Lakers' O'Neal and Bryant were among the players fined.

The NBA requires game shorts to be at least an inch above the knee. The rule last made the news in 1997 when the league thought the baggy, hip-hop look of uniforms was getting out of hand. But after a rash of fines that season, the league hadn't handed out many until this month.

.  
But Rider since has gained another former team, the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets waived Rider Tuesday to loosen a "logjam" at the shooting guard and small forward positions, according to general manager Kiki Vandeweghe. In addition, the team activated swingman Calbert Cheaney, who had been on the injured list with a left knee sprain.