NBA Free Agency: Lakers, Many Others Interested In Mike Miller

Of all the mid-tier free agents that have yet to sign, Washington's Mike Miller is probably the one generating the most interest. He's reportedly talked to the Knicks and Heat, among many other teams, and remains in contention to be re-signed by the Wizards.

The team that wants him the most, however, appears to be the Los Angeles Lakers. Via ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin:

The Lakers have opened discussions with free-agent swingman Mike Miller, a source close to the situation said Thursday.

Miller is a former NBA rookie of the year and sixth man of the year. He averaged 10.9 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and 48 percent shooting on 3-pointers for Washington last season, his 10th in the league.

The problem is that the Lakers are reluctant to give Miller the full mid-level exception (about five years and $30 million), because they are well over the luxury tax and have several other holes to fill. Worse, even if they were willing to give him the full mid-level exception, that might not be enough in this climate, as Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski writes:

Washington sharpshooter Mike Miller is generating significant interest and league executives expect him to command a multiyear contract with a starting salary greater than the midlevel exception.

UPDATE: Jeff Goodman at FOX Sports reports the Lakers gave Miller a Tuesday deadline to accept their offer, but the Lakers are denying that report.