Webber shows definite interest

Free-agent forward Chris Webber and the Lakers took another step toward each other Thursday, with Webber’s agent saying his client was highly interested in heading west, and the Lakers acknowledging they were more than willing to listen.

“They’re definitely a team that Chris is considering,” agent Aaron Goodwin said. “He wants to be in a situation where he can continue to play and get significant minutes. He’s rested, healthy and ready to go. The Lakers are playing well. Kobe’s doing a great job of integrating everybody and turning it into a winning organization this year.”

“There’s a few teams that he’s reviewing and then we’re going to move forward. He’s definitely excited.”

Webber has narrowed his choices to the Lakers, Dallas, Detroit, Miami and Orlando, Goodwin said.

The Lakers weren’t unhappy to hear they were on Webber’s short list.

“Whenever a player like that is available and expresses interest, as an organization, you have to huddle with your coaches and discuss it,” Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. “We’ll discuss this some more [Friday]. I think the first hurdle is for us to figure out what makes sense for us. He’s a heck of a player.”

The Lakers could offer Webber, 33, a two-year contract worth about $2 million, and they would have to waive a player to make room for him, probably Aaron McKie.

The Lakers will have to decide whether Webber, a jump-shooting power forward, will get the playing time he wants. Lamar Odom, their starter at the position, is due back by the end of the month from a sprained knee ligament.

Webber’s weighty $43-million contract was bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers, who waived him Thursday. He can’t officially sign with another team until Monday, although he will be having over-the-phone discussions with his teams of choice. He will not work out for any teams, Goodwin said.

The top pick in the 1993 draft, Webber averaged 11 points and 8.3 rebounds in 18 games this season. The five-time All-Star has averaged 21.4 points and 10 rebounds in his 14-year career.

Other teams could offer Webber more than the Lakers. Miami has its full mid-level exception, worth about $5 million this season, and Orlando has about half of its mid-level exception.

Dallas, Detroit and the Lakers used their mid-level exceptions during the off-season, the Lakers to sign Vladimir Radmanovic.

There is, however, another factor tilting in the Lakers’ favor, Goodwin said.

“Chris loves Los Angeles,” he said.

*

While Kobe Bryant is optimistic that the minor groin strain he suffered on his left side Wednesday in Houston won’t keep him out of tonight’s game against Orlando, his coach, Phil Jackson, is not so sure.

“I don’t think we can call it right now,” said Jackson on Thursday. “I expect he’s going to play, but I don’t know what we can expect out of it....

“So, if it’s going to affect his play that much, then it’s probably better that he doesn’t play. But if he’s OK and he can play at 90% or 85%, then good.”

Bryant was clearly limited in Wednesday night’s game against the Rockets after suffering the injury in the second quarter. He shied away from driving the lane, concentrating on perimeter shots. His mobility on defense was also limited.

“It’s feeling OK,” Bryant said Thursday at the team’s El Segundo training facility. “It’s sore. It’s not any more sore than it was [Wednesday] night, so it’s OK.”

Bryant conceded the injury had affected his game.

So will he be ready to go tonight?

“I should be.”

*

Times staff writers Jerry Crowe and Steve Springer contributed to this report.

TONIGHT

vs. Orlando, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 570, 1330.

Records -- Lakers 23-13, Magic 22-14.

Record vs. Magic -- 1-0.

Update -- Seeking to break a nine-game losing streak against the Lakers on the road, the Magic arrives atop the Southeast Division and riding a five-game winning streak.

mike.bresnahan@latimes.com