The odds of Scottie Pippen joining the Lakers are decreasing.

"First of all, we don't have a roster spot," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "We have 15 guys. The other thing is we may need someone to play longer than 15 minutes a game. We have a couple guys right now that are playing in situations that normally I wouldn't ask them to play. [Maurice] Evans' knee has been problematic for a week now. It's a shame."

The Lakers are already at the maximum 15-player roster, but the league has agreed to allow them to sign another player, with restrictions.