Lakers Propose Deal for Gugliotta

Is Tom Gugliotta finally about to find a team?

Laker officials, who have offered a sign-and-trade proposal to Minnesota in exchange for the free-agent forward, expect a resolution to the drawn-out drama by today.

The Lakers reportedly are offering Elden Campbell, Eddie Jones and a No. 1 pick to the Timberwolves for Gugliotta and former Laker Anthony Peeler.

There have been several hurdles for this deal: First, Minnesota is loathe to take on Campbell’s $7-million salary, which includes a 15% increase if he is traded; second, Gugliotta also might sign with the Phoenix Suns, whom he visited Friday.

Gugliotta apparently has told the Timberwolves, who signed free agent Joe Smith on Friday, he would prefer to go to the Lakers, and if there are no other options, Minnesota has not ruled out the Laker offer.

Gugliotta’s agent, Richard Howell, has been in contact with Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, and Taylor said that he would listen to anything Howell and Gugliotta might propose.

“Let’s say they come back and want us to work out a trade,” Taylor told Minnesota reporters, “and they have something they want us to help them with. I would listen and do something if it was in the best interests of our team.”