Enjoying the advantage of local support and the services of experienced players, the hosts took the lead from the two-time champions at the tip-off.

National player Karnnat Samue-chai tried to inspire Thammasat, who failed to match the fast breaks of their rivals. Siam had an overwhelming 78-51 lead by the end of the third period.

The hosts took their feet off the gas pedal in the fourth quarter, bringing on their reserves. The visitors got the chance to cut the lead to 86-78 with just a minute left to play.

Siam were forced to bring on their main players to get the team back on track.

Siam's Anuphong Sri-sukdee bagged 28 points to emerge as the top scorer.

Lakers not ready

nWhile there seems little doubt Kobe Bryant wants out of Los Angeles, the Lakers don't appear ready to make a move.

"I think we've made our position clear on that publicly and we have nothing further to say on the matter at this time," team spokesman John Black said.

Black referred to a statement issued by the NBA team owner Jerry Buss on May 30, which said in part: "We will continue to pursue every avenue possible to improve our team with [Bryant] as the cornerstone."

Buss issued the statement after speaking with Bryant. The day before, Bryant first said he wanted to be traded during a radio interview, but seemed to backtrack on another interview after speaking with Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Buss and Bryant met last Friday in Barcelona, and while the Los Angeles Times and Riverside Press-Enterprise quoted sources as saying Bryant still wanted out, Black declined comment other than to say: "Our position is what was said at that meeting between the two of them will remain between the two of them."

Buss, owner of the Lakers since 1979, recently sent a letter to season ticket-holders regarding the team's desire to be successful.

"We received about 1,000 e-mails expressing concerns, opinions and frustrations," Black said. "Dr Buss wanted to address the matter himself."