Los Angeles Lakers interested in Kirk Hinrich

The Lakers and Jackson have always coveted guard Kirk Hinrich, who is averaging 10.9 points and 4.5 assists for the Washington Wizards. Hinrich, 30, makes $9 million this season and $8 million next season.

The Lakers want to make trades but are a little short on available, desirable players. They have an aging roster tied down by cumbersome salaries and have already traded their only expiring contract of value — Sasha Vujacic's $5.5 million — in a December salary dump that cost them this year's first-round draft pick.

Ron Artest is struggling and his trade value is low, considering he is 31 years old and has three more years after this for a total of $21.8 million. Luke Walton, who turns 31 next month, has two more years and $11.5 million. Oft-injured center Andrew Bynum has two more years and $31 million, though the second year is a team option for $16.1 million