The Los Angeles Times is reporting that, while still talking with Chris Webber's people, The Lakers may be closer to a deal with the recently waived, DJ Mbenga.

Mbenga, who attended last night's game, averaged 1.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in a 16-game stint with Golden State. The 7-0, 255 undrafted center has a career average of 1.3 PPG and 1.1 RPG.

Phil Jackson has alluded to the use of 10-day contracts, and I cant help but believe that Mbenga would be tested with one before any season deal were to go down. Mbenga definitely isn't the fix that the Lakers need, but I think his presence might make a difference.

This also comes with the news that Vlad Rad isn't close to coming back. Vlad said "Nothing good, man," when asked how he was doing last night. Radmanovic underwent an MRI on Wednesday that confirmed tendinitis and a sprain in his right ankle.

Bynum doesn't like waiting game [LA Times]