Oakley Just Happens to Drop In--Then He Drops Some Hints

The timing was superb, the placement even better.

On the first day teams could sign free agents, who should stroll to a prime Great Western Forum seat midway through Magic Johnson’s all-star charity game Sunday but Charles Oakley, the veteran power forward who just happens to be the Lakers’ No. 1 free-agent priority.

Oakley, accompanied by his business advisor Billy Diamond, cautioned that he hasn’t even set up formal meetings with Laker executives Jerry West and Mitch Kupchak, and warned that with at least 10 teams bidding for his services, he wasn’t ready to make an immediate decision.

But Oakley sounded very much like a man picturing himself in purple and gold, adding that he would be playing in Johnson’s charity golf tournament today at Mountain Gate Country Club, as apparently will West and Kupchak.

“The Lakers have a good team,” said Oakley, who played for the Toronto Raptors last season. “They’ve got a lot of talent.

“You know, last year was an up-and-down season for them. I know that it’s not the type of franchise that’s going to have another season like that. Hey, the foundation is here. But a lot more little parts need to be added.”

If no sign-and-trade deal can be worked out with Toronto, the most the Lakers can offer Oakley, 35, is their $2-million exception, well below what the Raptors already have offered him.

But Oakley, known for his leadership and physical presence, did not dispute the idea that he might take less to join Phil Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, if the chemistry is right and a championship is in sight.

“I know they have a great coach, great surroundings, Kobe and Shaq--two great players,” Oakley said. “And I think with the Glen Rice addition last year, this team has a chance to win a championship.

“Money isn’t the big thing right now. It’s about guys’ attitudes. I’m not just going to throw myself out here. I’ve got to know if everybody’s willing to be on the same track.”