Karl Malone had microfracture surgery on his right knee back in June and is expected to finally decide in about a month whether he will play this season.

Malone's agent recently said his client would prefer to stay in the Western Conference, which gained increased attention from teams such as San Antonio and Minnesota.

"I think every team in the league could use him and would want him?. He's getting offers, probably two or three a day," Buss said. "I am confident that if he plays, he'll be a Laker. He has said that publicly in the papers, and he has told me that personally as well."

The Lakers could offer Malone $1.8 million, and the Spurs could offer the veterans' minimum of $1.1 million. The Timberwolves would be in the neighborhood of the Lakers' $1.8-million offer.

All signs point towards Malone remaining with the Lakers, as he has been frequently spotted at the Staples Center.