Derek Anderson will make the Lakers his first free-agent visit early next week. It might not be long afterward Anderson assumes the vacant guard spot in the Lakers' starting lineup.

Anderson, released Wednesday by Portland via the NBA's new amnesty provision, is considering the Lakers, Detroit and Minnesota. He expects to decide by the end of next week, but Anderson is drawn to the idea of starting for the Lakers.

"That's a big selling point," said Anderson's agent, Tony Dutt. "The Lakers are extremely intriguing."

Anderson has not had as much experience handling the ball as the Lakers' previous free-agent target, Antonio Daniels, who signed with Washington. But Anderson (6-foot-5, 195 pounds) is capable and originally played point guard at the University of Kentucky. In an eight-year NBA career, Anderson has averaged 13.1 points, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals.

Anderson is 31 and would be willing to take the two-year contract the Lakers are limiting themselves to offering for future payroll flexibility. Dutt said the Lakers probably would have to offer the full $5million mid-level salary-cap exception to get Anderson.

"At this stage, that's kind of what's going to be what's offered," Dutt said.