NBA Roundup: Lakers eye LeBron and Carmelo, Rambis may return to Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to the future in an attempt to rebuild the team and may have their sights set on potential 2014 free-agents LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, according to ESPN
The Lakers have indicated that they want to be in position to make an offer to one or both after next season, team sources told ESPN. They called the wing-ranging possibilities of landing either superstar both realistic and far-fetched.
A number of other attractive players could become available after next season. The list includes Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Luol Deng, Danny Granger, Andrew Bogut and Dirk Nowitzki.
ESPN sources said James has yet to entertain thoughts about his plans beyond next season in Miami. The Heat will be coming off their second straight NBA championship.
Anthony has an early terminiation option after next season in his contract with the Knicks. He could seek an extension or opt to become a free agent.
Kobe Bryant has said he wants to play two to three more seasons and would help recruit star players to L.A. He will be the highest-paid player in the NBA next season at $30.5 million but appears willing to rework his deal to allow the Lakers enough cap room to bring in top talent.
---Former Los Angeles Lakers player coach Kurt Rambis could be returning soon to the team as an assistant coach, ESPN reported.
According to ESPN, Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni wants Rambis on his staff as a stabilizing force and because of his ties to the organization.
Rambis played for the Lakers for nine seasons and was an assistant between 1999 and 2009 when he left to become Minnesota Timberwolves coach. He was fired after two seasons in Minnesota and has since worked as an analyst for ESPN.
