After Kobe Bryant's upset Karl Malone and made him question whether he would return to the Lakers, the Spurs have focused their attention on the power forward once again.

It had been clear for some time that if Malone was to return, it would be with the Lakers.

"We were interested in Karl last year," Spurs coach and executive vice-president Gregg Popovich said. "We were interested in him this summer. We've always been interested in Karl."

According to various newspapers across the country, the Heat and Wolves are also believed to be interested in the longtime Jazz forward.