Benjamin Scores 30 Points, Leads SuperSonics Past Lakers, 111-102

VANCOUVER, Canada — Benoit Benjamin scored 30 points to lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a 111-102 exhibition victory over the weary Lakers Saturday night.

Seattle improved its exhibition record to 5-3 despite playing without three injured regulars.

Benjamin, a 7-foot center and former Clipper, dominated the middle against the smaller Lakers, scoring 18 of his points in the first half.

Ricky Pierce added 19 points for Seattle, and Derrick McKey had 18. Eddie Johnson made two key baskets down the stretch to keep Seattle in control.

The Lakers are 1-3 since playing in a tournament in Paris last weekend and have played four games in five nights since returning.

Former Sonic Sedale Threatt, who signed this summer with the Lakers, led them with 27 points, and backup guard Terry Teagle added 20.

The crowd of 11,725 at the Pacific Coliseum booed when it was announced before tipoff that Laker star Magic Johnson had returned to Los Angeles because of illness.

The SuperSonics also played without several regulars, including guard Gary Payton and forward Shawn Kemp.

Seattle dressed nine players.