LOWER LAKERS TICKET PRICES WON'T BE STAPLES OF NEW ARENA

          The Lakers "will ask many of their season-ticket
     holders to pay more" next season at the Staples Center, but
     the NHL Kings "have promised prices will be at or below this
     season's levels," according to Helene Elliott of the L.A.
     TIMES.  Lakers season tickets at the new arena will range
     from $21-$150 a game and courtside seats "probably will top"
     $1,000.  The "biggest hike" will be the current $55 seats
     selling for $90 at the Staples Center, while "some" of the
     $37 seats will increase to either $60 or $45 next season. 
     This season's $28.50 seats will sell for $31 next year. 
     Following an NBA rule, there will be 500 tickets at $10 a
     piece made available for each game.  Kings season-tickets
     currently range from $18-$87.50 a game, and team President
     Tim Leiweke said that "there will be no sticker-shock" when
     next season's prices are set (L.A. TIMES, 2/23).