Anderson contract is not a sure thing

OC Register:Derek Anderson met with the Lakers on Monday at their El Segundo training facility, but a financial gulf still exists between the two sides.

The Lakers don’t intend to offer Anderson their full $5million mid-level salary-cap exception, which Anderson’s agent has said is his monetary target. So it remains to be seen whether the sides can meet at a lesser number, with the Lakers preferring a two-year deal for part of that exception.

The Lakers could then offer the remainder of the $5million exception to another free agent or save the money. They also have a separate $1.7million cap exception to offer.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson returned to town to meet with Anderson on Monday and observe his workout. Anderson has had injury problems the past two seasons, mainly with his back.

Anderson is a potential starter for the Lakers considering their lack of guards, but the Lakers don’t consider Anderson a lock for that slot if they sign him. Jackson is contemplating a variety of lineups, one of which features Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Devean George taking turns handling the ball as the guards and small forward.

Anderson, who became a free agent Wednesday via Portland’s amnesty waiver, also is considering Detroit, where there is more likelihood of a winning a championship. Minnesota also is in the picture.

Anderson, 31, will receive $18.8 million from Portland the next two seasons, so the Lakers hope he will be flexible with his monetary demands.

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