 Karl Malone could sign with Lakers this off season
They were talking about this article on ESPN radio this moorning and the hosts really think he will end up in LA
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By Marc J. Spears
Special to ESPN.com
SALT LAKE CITY -- Soon-to-be 40-year-old Karl Malone is approaching free agency with the same enthusiasm as an 18-year-old piquing the interest of a Duke, Kentucky or Arizona.
"The way I look at it now is like how it was when you're a superstar in high school and the colleges are coming (after) you," Malone said. "It's kind of fun. It's kind of like that. We're standing at age 40, but you know my agent will handle that and I'll enjoy my summer."
If he had to sign a letter of intent, Malone would only consider putting pen to paper with a winning program. Yes, the future Hall of Famer is still contemplating retirement at season's end. But with a strong thirst for a championship ring, the right title-contending team may be able coerce the still productive old-timer to play the post.
Imagine a frontcourt of Malone and Shaquille O'Neal with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been searching for a power forward for a long time. How about Malone and Duncan in the post together in San Antonio? Or Malone in Motown adding some scoring to the Detroit Pistons or playing in Milwaukee with GP?
With exception to San Antonio, those teams will probably only be able to offer the mid-level exception, which will be in the $4.5 million range. Signing a mid-level deal would be a major pay cut for Malone. But if he believes that there is a good chance he could win an NBA title, the amount of zeros on the paycheck wouldn't matter.
"I don't think the money will be an issue to me," Malone said. "I've taken care of myself and invested wisely. I've invested in things that I want to do, and if I can't play no more, I don't think that will be an issue. Really.
"Some things will have to fall into the perfect spot. But money won't be an issue. It really won't. Money won't be an issue. If that is what plays out, money won't be an issue."
"You think about it all the time," Malone said. "I didn't get (a championship) in college. But I got three state championships in high school. I put a lot of time and dedication into it, and I haven't got it here (in the NBA). You think about a lot of things. I hope people respect whatever decision I decide to make this summer because I do feel like I've given 17, 18 years to everybody else.
Marc J. Spears, who covers the Denver Nuggets for the Denver Post, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com.
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04-24-2003, 10:55 PM
