The agent for free-agent guard Latrell Sprewell said talks with the Lakers are ongoing. "We continue to talk and are looking at a number of options, the most important of which is a sign-and-trade," agent Robert Gist said.

The Lakers still have half of their $5 million midlevel exception after signing Aaron McKie. A sign-and-trade would bring Sprewell a larger payday, but the Lakers are unlikely to go that route.

Detroit also is interested, Gist said, but Sprewell wants a starting job.

"If Latrell is going anywhere, it's because he's comfortable there," Gist said. "He would love to play in the backcourt with Kobe Bryant and he would love to play for Phil Jackson."