Karl

Malone

The Spurs, Kings and Mavericks are also believed to be pursuing Malone.

The Lakers, Jazz, Spurs and Mavericks apparently are still in the running. Manley said Malone plans to stay in the Western Conference.

“He is working out and all signs are pointing to a 100 percent recovery, but that is still many months away,” said Malone’s agent, Dwight Manley. “There is no timetable.” Malone is still being pursued by the Spurs, Timberwolves and Lakers.

Malone still hasn’t announced that he’ll play next season, but it does seem as though he’s leaning that way. The Spurs and Heat also want him.

“I feel pretty good right now,” Malone said. “I’m not rushing it, not in any hurry, but it’s gone really well. I’m getting close (to 100 percent) and I know I’m going to be able to get back to 100 percent. Not 95 percent, but 100 percent. That’s encouraging.” Malone seems likely to join either the Spurs or Timberwolves in the next few weeks.

Malone’s knee might allow for a comeback in December. He has indicated that he wouldn’t play for any team other than the Lakers.

The Spurs and Heat are believed to be the leading candidates for The Mailman’s services.

“Karl is furious,” agent Dwight Manley said. “He felt very disrespected and betrayed after personally being the first to stand up for Kobe over the last year throughout his rape charge and all he went through.” Manley added that Malone feels recovered from knee surgery and could sign with another team next month.

The Spurs have vowed to keep a roster spot available for Malone if he does decide he wants to play this season, and coach Gregg Popovich, whom Malone greatly respects, told him he would wait until January or February to find out what Malone wants to do. Kobe Bryant’s comments aside, if Karl wants to win a ring his chances are much better with San Antonio.

“For all that has gone on, they called me, said they wanted to meet with me and I thought it was a good idea,” Malone said. “I’ll say this. It ain’t a lot of people that make efforts. I have absolutely no reason not to listen to what Dr. Buss and Mitch have to say.” The Spurs, T’Wolves, and Heat remain Malone’s biggest suitors, with Dallas and New Jersey also expressing interest.