Uncertainty for Divac, Walton

As the Laker off-season draws nearer with each loss, decision-making time moves closer to reality.

Among other issues, the Lakers must figure out whether they want to re-sign forward Luke Walton, 25, a restricted free agent who is making $620,000 this season, and whether they want to pay Vlade Divac $5.4 million next season or buy out the final year of his contract for $2 million.

Divac, who has played only 12 games because of back problems, said he would retire if the Lakers did not want him back. The charismatic Divac, 37, has his share of supporters.

“He would have made life a lot easier for everybody [this season],” Kobe Bryant said. “His basketball IQ is at such a high level -- his understanding, his feel for the game, his passing ability. He just opens the floor for everybody.”

“A couple practices ago, I switched myself to the second unit just to play with him. If they come to me and ask me my opinion, I’d tell them I love to play with him. He’s something else.”

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Divac joked that the Lakers should pursue his longtime friend, two-time All-Star Sacramento King forward Peja Stojakovic.

It was basically wishful thinking on Divac’s part -- Stojakovic has another year left on his contract with the Kings and could execute a player option to stay there through 2006-07 -- but Divac said he would like to see it happen.

“If they don’t need Peja here, we’ll bring him down to L.A.,” Divac said before Sunday’s game against the Kings. “Just give me the green light.”

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570, 1330.

Records -- Lakers 34-43, Suns 57-19.

Record vs. Suns -- 0-3.

Update -- The Lakers had two close losses earlier against the Suns but were blown out on Tuesday in Phoenix, 125-99, and were officially eliminated from the playoffs.