Larry Stewart of the LA Times reports that the Lakers have chosen the man they want to fill the shoes of legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn. Paul Sunderland has been offered a one-year contract to become their new play-by-play announcer, The Times learned Friday.

Sunderland?s work was well received when he filled in for Hearn who missed 56 games, first because of heart and then knee surgery but the length of the Lakers? offer may be a sticking point. Sources said Sunderland would prefer a longer-term contract, at least longer than one year.

Something needs to be worked out fairly soon. The Lakers will play their first exhibition game Oct. 8, against the Clippers at Bakersfield. That game will be televised by Channel 9 and broadcast on flagship radio station KLAC (570).