David Falk, the agent for free agent Juwan Howard, said Saturday that the Lakers were among the teams for which Howard would play, and that a $16-million pay cut probably would not be an obstacle in negotiations.

Howard, who made $20.6 million last season in Denver, just played the last year of a seven-year, $105-million contract signed two teams before. The Lakers have the mid-level exception available ($4.6 million) and a need at power forward. Howard, along with at least several others, has their interest.

By NBA rules, discussions with free agents may not begin until July 1, and players may not be signed until July 16. The nature of the league's salary structure, the large number of teams over the salary cap and the coming luxury tax have put many organizations in budget modes.

"I think Juwan and some very good players are going to have to make some quality-of-life decisions," Falk said. "Juwan is 30. He's made a lot of money. He has the wherewithal to make any decision he's comfortable with There are things in life you can't buy. Championships are one of them."

Howard, he added, "could be making a decision for a ring over a check."