Memphis rookie O.J. Mayo got a glowing endorsement from the league MVP Kobe Bryant, who dominated the rookie early in the U.S. National team scrimmages, but to his credit Mayo got better the more they played, the L.A. Times are reporting.

"Kobe completely shut him down in the beginning," said U.S. managing director Jerry Colangelo. "But the longer they went, the better Mayo got."

"I think the world of him," Bryant said. "I think he's extremely talented. I think he has a great overall game that a lot of young players don't have in terms of skills. He can handle, he can shoot, he can pass, he's fast, he's quick, so that's the whole package."

Sasha Vujacic has agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract to remain with the Lakers.

"We felt Sasha made great progress in this past year, and our coach showed great confidence in playing him the second half of the season," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said Friday in confirming the agreement, first reported by the Riverside Press-Enterprise. "Assuming he continues to work as hard during the offseason as he has in the past, I don't see any reason that trend wouldn't continue."

Andrew Bynum's agent David Lee said that the discussions on a contract extension with the Lakers have been tabled until September.

"We aren't going to talk again until September until they have a chance to see what they're getting," Lee said. "But I don't have any concerns about it."

Lee said that once negotiations begin, it was "very important" that the extension be completed by the time the season starts.

Sasha Vujacic may leave the Lakers for Europe in the next few days if he doesn't receive an offer that he feels is fair, the L.A. Times is reporting.

Since Josh Childress turned his back on the Atlanta Hawks to accept an offer in Greece, it seems that more and more players are exploring the European option, where they can get more money.  The Rockets' Carl Landry recently threatened the Europe route, as well.

Vujacic is seeking a multi-year deal from the Lakers averaging about $5 million a year.

As a restricted free agent, the Lakers have the right to match any offer sheet that Vujacic signs with another team. Teams were hesitant to make Vujacic an offer because they anticipate the Lakers would match it, the source said.

The Lakers, according to GM Mitch Kupchak, do want Vujacic back in a Laker uniform next season.

"We are very aware of the global market as it has changed over the years. It was our desire to bring Sasha and Ronny back. It continues to be our desire to bring Sasha back," Kupchak said Thursday after hearing of Vujacic's ultimatum. "However, with the ever-changing marketplace that Europe has become, a player, in order to cover his bases, can negotiate with his NBA team and, at the same time, have a plan that allows him to have the possibility of going overseas."

Laker forward Luke Walton underwent surgery on Friday to remove bone spurs and scar tissue on his right ankle, the Associated Press is reporting.

Walton's rehabilitation is expected to take about six weeks, and he's expected to make a full recovery by the start of training camp.

The Lakers on Friday night decided they wouldn't match the Warriors' offer for Ronny Turiaf, meaning the former second-round draft pick will move up the coast to play for Golden State, as reported by the Associated Press.

Lakers' restricted free agent Sasha Vujacic has slowed down his offseason by changing agents, according to The Press-Enterprise.

His last agent Bill Duffy admitted on Thursday that Vujacic has gone back to former agent Rob Pelinka.

He was with Pelinka last season.

The Sacramento Kings have tried for a Ron Artest trade to Dallas in exchange for Josh Howard, but the Mavericks are not interested, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

The Mavs were willing to give up Jerry Stackhouse and Brandon Bass for the former All-Star, but when the Kings wanted Howard in return the discussions ended, writes Brandon George.

The talk involving Artest and Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers also appears to have broken down while Phoenix and San Antonio are still interested.

The possibility of Francisco Elson returning to the Nuggets increased dramatically following the Marcus Camby trade.

Oklahoma City, Charlotte, New Jersey, and possibly the Lakers are also interested in Elson.

The Lakers continue to be regarded as the favorites for Ron Artest as they offer Lamar Odom.

Their willingness to swallow the remaining two years and $16.5 million of Kenny Thomas' contract is considered the only holdup.