Aaron McKie agrees to join Lakers

LOS ANGELES - Free-agent guard Aaron McKie, waived by the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this month, has agreed to terms of a two-year, $5 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

McKie has averaged 7.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 11 seasons with Portland, Detroit and Philadelphia. He scored 4,143 points in seven-plus seasons with the 76ers, and won the 2001 Sixth Man of the Year award when he helped the Sixers reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Lakers in five games.

Phil Jackson, returning next season as coach of the Lakers after taking a year off, likes big guards, and the 6-foot-5 McKie fills that bill.

"Aaron is looking forward to coming out there, being in a new situation and contributing in whatever way coach thinks is best," McKie's agent, Leon Rose, said Monday. "There were no promises made regarding a starting role, but he hopes to make a major contribution.

"Aaron spoke at length with coach Jackson and felt comfortable after that conversation. In the past, there's been some big veteran point guards who have flourished in that system. Hopefully Aaron will be another one of those types of players."

McKie, who turns 33 in October, was waived by the 76ers via the NBA's new amnesty provision, meaning he will be paid his $19.5 million contract by the Sixers during the next three season, but they won't have to pay luxury tax on that money.

"Aaron loved his time in Philadelphia, he realized a dream," Rose said. "'He played high school basketball in Philadelphia, college basketball in Philadelphia, and 7½ years with his home team.

"He has nothing but great feelings about his time in Philadelphia and understands that the organization had to make a business decision, which they made. Aaron is a true professional and respects their decision and is moving forward and looking forward to playing for the Lakers.

McKie averaged 2.2 points and 16.4 minutes last season - both career lows. He spent time on the injured list with an injured shoulder.

"Aaron is good health at this time and is still eager to play," Rose said. "Last year, the numbers are more reflective of limited minutes and style of play rather than being a direct reflection on Aaron. He's in good shape, he's been playing all summer.

"The other aspect about Aaron McKie is anyone you talk to around the NBA, he is the consummate professional, he is a leader, a standup guy who brings a big defensive presence to the court. He's solid all the way around on and off the court. They just don't make them like Aaron McKie."

Rose said McKie had considered playing with the New Jersey Nets.

"But at the end of the day, the Lakers stepped up with a stronger offer and came hard, and he made the decision to go in that direction," the agent said.

Rose said playing with Kobe Bryant was another positive factor in McKie's decision.

"He's known Kobe since Kobe was growing up in Philadelphia and Aaron was a college player at Temple," Rose said. "They've known each other for several years, they have a mutual respect for each other."

McKie must pass a physical examination. Rose said he believes his client will take the physical and sign a contract later this week.