A change in California law has resulted...

A change in California law has resulted in the dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the Phoenix Suns against Laker owner Jerry Buss and the Forum regarding a serious knee injury that sidelined guard Walter Davis for most of the 1984-85 season.

Davis, a five-time NBA All-Star, injured ligaments in his left knee in a fall on the Forum floor during an exhibition game on Oct. 9, 1984.

Attorney Tom Cotter, who helped prepare the litigation for the Tucson law firm of Miller & Pitt, said that California had been one of only a few states that allowed an employer to sue a third party for injuries suffered by an employee. But the California Supreme Court reversed the law after the Suns filed their lawsuit last October.

Davis, who returned to play in just 23 of 82 regular-season games that season, also filed suit against Buss and the Forum, and that litigation is ongoing.