Leader has star quality

LOS ANGELES — Steve Stricker had quite the Hollywood experience on a night out from the Northern Trust Open.

He went to a Lakers game Friday and spent more time watching the stars than the players. Denzel Washington in the parking lot. Jack Nicholson courtside, along with George Lopez and one of the Kardashian sisters (he looked it up on the Internet; it was Khloe).

Then, in unexpected sunshine Saturday at Riviera, Stricker was the star of his show.

Stricker turned a one-shot deficit into a five-shot lead in the Northern Trust Open before darkness halted the third round as he faced a 30-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole.

"I did a lot of good things," said Stricker, who was at 14-under 132.

The clubhouse leaders were J.B. Holmes (67) and Luke Donald (66) at 9-under 204. Andres Romero, in the final group with Stricker, was also at 9 under.

Dustin Johnson, who led in the morning after rain-delayed Round 2 was completed, was at 8 under through 14 holes.

A storm system dodged Riviera, leaving mostly sunny conditions and allowing for enough play that the tournament is expected to end today.

Two-time defending champion Phil Mickelson shot 71 and was 10 strokes behind.

EUROPEAN: Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez each shot 68 and Alvaro Quiros shot 67 to catch overnight leader Thongchai Jaidee at 11-under 205 after Round 3 of the Dubai Desert Classic in United Arab Emirates.