(Mitch) Kupchak said he continued his attempts to upgrade the roster, though a more imminent move could involve Antawn Jamison. The Lakers were trying to lure the veteran free-agent forward, who would immediately help boost scoring among their punchless reserves.

After allocating about $27 million over the next three years to (Steve) Nash in a trade with Phoenix that was finalized Wednesday, the Lakers are increasingly reluctant to use the “mini” mid-level exception, their only free-agent tool. It tops out at $3.1 million next season, but the Lakers are hoping to sign free agents to fill out their bench by using only the veteran’s-minimum contract, which tops out at $1.35 million next season.

Jamison, 36, averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds last season with Cleveland, though he shot a career-low 40.3%. He has received a handful of more lucrative offers, but none of those teams have the playoff potential of the Lakers.

via Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times