Sonics' Lewis looking for wins, not spotlight

Tonight is Rashard Lewis poster night at KeyArena, putting the Sonics forward squarely in the spotlight. But garnering that kind of attention, he says, won't be a big factor in what may be a whirlwind summer of free agency.

Since arriving in Seattle in 1998, Lewis has been in the shadow of Gary Payton and Ray Allen as the team drifted in and out of contention. But with Allen sidelined by ankle injuries, Lewis has been put on display. That could pay off if he opts out of the final two years of his contract with the Sonics, which seems likely.

His recent fourth-quarter heroics, including Saturday's 106-103 win over the Utah Jazz, should solidify the big contract he seeks. And the stardom can come anywhere, he believes.

"You've got to help yourself, as well as tell your agent to put you out there a little bit more," Lewis said. "Obviously, I want to be out there a little bit more, but it doesn't depend on [playing in] L.A. or New York. It may help, but at the same time you've got to have a winning organization."

Lewis hasn't begun negotiations with the Sonics, his first choice, who could be set for a postseason run next year with a healthy roster.

Teams with loads of money to throw Lewis, such as Orlando and Charlotte, will probably take longer to produce quality winning seasons.

Then again, both the Bobcats and Magic play in the weaker Eastern Conference, meaning Lewis could make an immediate impact and advance to the playoffs, where his face and game would get maximum exposure.

An injury-filled Sonics season has made Lewis, 27, more conscientious about staying healthy. He already has missed 22 games this season with a hand injury.

The latest ailments belong to guard Luke Ridnour, who suffered a left ankle sprain in the first quarter Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, and backup guard Earl Watson, who jammed his right pinky in Utah on Saturday.

Sonics coach Bob Hill proclaimed Ridnour out for the season, but a team spokesman said the Sonics would know more after an examination today.

Watson, who was scheduled to have his finger X-rayed this morning, is questionable to start against Houston tonight. If he doesn't play, reserve Mike Wilks could be pushed into the starting lineup and Lewis, who worked on his ballhandling skills last summer, may play more point forward.

"The season is basically ... over and we're still getting injuries," Lewis said. "Chris [Wilcox's] ankle is hurt, Luke goes out. You can't do too much but continue to go out there and play with what we've got.

"It most definitely concerns me a little bit because I don't want to get injured before the season is over. Especially having a big summer ahead of me, I just try to be careful when I go out there and play. We don't need any more injuries."

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com