Lakers decline option on Horry

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers did not exercise their $5.3 million option for next season on forward Robert Horry's contract.

Horry, who turns 33 in August, becomes a free agent Tuesday, meaning he can negotiate with any NBA team, including the Lakers. They could offer him a contract closer to the veteran's minimum salary of $1.4 million.

"By not picking up this option, it gives us financial flexibility to pursue other free agents, which is important to us,'' Lakers spokesman John Black said Monday, adding the team remains interested in Horry.

smack now: http://www.clublakers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1000

source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-horry&prov=ap&type=lgns