Free Agents Sports

Balancing three-peat expectations with payroll restrictions, the Lakers are browsing the free-agent market for big forwards and guards, Samaki Walker and Mitch Richmond chief among them. While Horace Grant mulls interest from the Orlando Magic, among others, and Ty Lue and the Washington Wizards prepare to exchange figures, the Lakers could have Walker and Richmond in for visits by July 18, when free agents may be signed.

The agent for a Dodger prospect, who claims the player was recruited and signed illegally by the club, said that he plans to file an appeal with major league baseball because the Dodgers retained the player's rights in a recent ruling.

Talk about being a free agent at the wrong time. As of late Monday night, general managers have been free to pursue players in a hitter-dominated class headed by Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Moises Alou, Juan Gonzalez and Tino Martinez. Chan Ho Park is considered the top pitcher in a pitching-thin market that also includes John Smoltz.

Bobby Simmons will be introduced this afternoon at a Staples Center news conference as winner of the NBA's most improved player award, reason enough for the Clipper forward to toast his breakout season. Soon he is likely to have something else to celebrate: a breakout contract.

Another day, another Dodger. Free-agent pitcher Brett Tomko has agreed to terms on a two-year, $8.7-million contract that includes a club option for a third year and a $1-million buyout, two sources with knowledge of the negotiations said Wednesday. Tomko, 32, is scheduled to take a physical today. Barring any complications, he would become the sixth free agent signed by the Dodgers this off-season and third this week, but the first pitcher.

Amid speculation that they are close to reaching an agreement with Cuttino Mobley on terms of a five-year contract, the Clippers also are believed to have made an offer to free-agent forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim. The Clippers, stung by Bobby Simmons' soon-to-be-official departure to the Milwaukee Bucks, have made landing Mobley their top priority. The veteran shooting guard, who will turn 30 on Sept.

It's on to Plan B. With Ray Allen having reached an agreement Tuesday to remain with the Seattle SuperSonics and Michael Redd seemingly wavering between staying with the Milwaukee Bucks or bolting to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Clippers apparently have again struck out in their bid to add a marquee shooting guard.

The NBA's free-agent signing period has been delayed indefinitely because the league's collective bargaining agreement will not be finalized by its initial target date of Friday. Though not considered an alarming development, the postponement leaves numerous trades and signings in traction as details of the six-year labor deal continue to be ratified and transferred to a 300-page manual.

The Clippers may have finally addressed their long-range needs. One year after trading for Kerry Kittles, who showed up with a bum knee and never panned out, they reached an agreement Wednesday with unrestricted free agent Cuttino Mobley on terms of a multiyear deal, Mobley's agent said. Andy Miller, who represents the veteran shooting guard, declined to reveal terms, but it is believed to be a five-year deal worth $42 million.

The Dodgers on Friday agreed in principle with veteran first baseman Fred McGriff on a one-year, $3.75-million contract, a bargain price for one of baseball's most dependable power hitters and a comfortable fit into the team's complicated payroll structure. "It's a terrific fit for both sides," Dodger General Manager Dan Evans said. "He really wanted to play for us and be with a competitive club, and we add a veteran presence who has been one of baseball's most consistent run-producers.