Rooks-Mullin Trade Has Been Discussed

The Lakers and Warriors have talked about a deal that would send Sean Rooks and draft picks north for Chris Mullin. Nothing appears serious, however, because Golden State probably will wait until the Feb. 20 trade deadline is closer in hopes teams will improve their offers for Mullin.

The Warriors have not been excited about any of the potential deals that have come in for their starting small forward, still productive after several years of injuries. And Mullin, contrary to some reports, has not asked to be traded, so there is no certainty he will be moved.

The Lakers have been talking to other teams about Rooks for weeks. His seven-year, $13.4-million contract is a turn-off, especially since he made little contribution in the first half-season of the free-agent deal, but clearly it won’t scare away every team.

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Robert Horry, who sat out the last two games because of a sprained ankle, returned to practice Friday and should be back in the opening lineup Sunday against the Washington Bullets at the Forum.