Lakers Moving Forward

In a swift and stunning countermove, the Lakers have held serious discussions with Clipper free-agent forward Lorenzen Wright and could sign him to a one-year, $2-million bargain contract by this weekend, several sources said Thursday.

With doubts rising about Charles Oakley’s willingness to accept less money to sign with the Lakers, Executive Vice President Jerry West began talks to acquire Wright, said Wright’s agent, Robert Fayne.

And with several sign-and-trade possibilities having dissipated for Wright, who turned down a $5-million-a-year offer from the Clippers, the Lakers’ $2-million exception became more intriguing, Fayne said.

“I think the money is always a consideration for an NBA player, but it’s not the overriding consideration for Lorenzen Wright,” Fayne said.

“I think at this stage in his career, the overriding consideration is the opportunity to compete for an NBA championship, and signing with the Lakers puts him in an excellent position to do that. And that’s why we’re giving full consideration to signing with the Lakers’ organization.”

Indiana and Atlanta both discussed sign-and-trade deals with the Clippers, with both aiming to pay Wright about $4.5 million a season. But neither team could agree on the players to be traded to the Clippers.

Both Fayne and a Laker spokesman said Thursday that no official offer had been made to the 6-foot-11, 240-pound Wright by the Lakers.

Fayne suggested there might not be a better match available for Wright than the Lakers, who have plenty of talent but need a power forward.

“The Lakers are a first-rate franchise,” Fayne said. “They have some of the most talented players in the NBA. . . . I think they need a player who is a tenacious rebounder, who runs the floor well, who blocks shots, and who can defend both power forwards and centers.

“I think there’s a terrific fit between what Lorenzen does best and what the Lakers need. I think with the addition of Lorenzen the Lakers have an excellent chance of winning an NBA championship, and that’s something that appeals to Lorenzen.

“That possibility makes the Lakers very, very attractive.”

Fayne said that if Wright, 24, signs for the $2-million exception, he would be looking for no more than a one-year contract.

If the Lakers do sign him for one year at the exception, under salary-cap rules as an over-the-cap team, they could pay him no more than $3.4 million for the following season, but in his third season with the team could be paid the average NBA salary.

In three seasons with the Clippers since he was the seventh pick overall of the 1996 draft, Wright has gained a reputation as one of the hardest-working players in the league.

Last season, he averaged 7.5 rebounds, playing in a rotation with center Michael Olowokandi and power forward Maurice Taylor. In 1997-98, Wright averaged nine points and 8.8 rebounds.

“He likes Los Angeles,” Fayne said. “His kids are in school in Los Angeles. He would love to be able to stay here and not have to make the adjustment to a new city.

“So that makes the Lakers an appealing opportunity as well. . . . We expect a swift resolution to where he’ll be playing next season.”

Asked if Oakley’s status had any bearing on Wright’s with the Lakers, Fayne said, “That’s not a factor.”

With Oakley, 35, not immediately willing to commit to the Lakers, West made his move to Wright, sources said.

Toronto apparently has increased its offer to Oakley of three years and $18 million. One source said the Raptors have grown more confident they will re-sign Oakley, who visited the Lakers on Tuesday.

Oakley’s preference still is believed to be the Lakers, but apparently not at such a steep salary sacrifice.

Billy Diamond, Oakley’s business advisor, said Thursday that Oakley needed time to mull over the situation.

The league has clarified one issue:

Though several sources believed Toronto could not be involved in a sign-and-trade deal with Oakley after renouncing his rights this week, the NBA has told the Raptors they can sign Oakley and then trade him to a team already over the salary cap.

To pay Oakley more than their $2-million exception, the Lakers could arrange a sign-and-trade package, but the Raptors apparently would prefer to keep Oakley if they can.

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PENNY FOR HIS THOUGHT

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