UPDATE: Lakers "remain in the running" for Joe Smith

UPDATE #2: Seems like he has agree to terms with the Cavs. It was fun while it lasted…

UPDATE #1: Apparently, he hasn’t gone to the Cavs quite yet…

O.C. Register: Sources Tuesday night at Staples Center told me that the Lakers remain in the running for Smith and he is strongly considering coming aboard with Kobe Bryant. As for the New Orleans Hornets, they appear out of the running.

joesmith N.Y. Post: Unconfirmed reports maintain Smith already has one of those wink-wink deals in place to rejoin the Cavs once he tiptoes across the waiver wire.

My sources assert the Lakers and Hornets – prepared to commit past this season to Smith – are giving the Cavs stiff competition. Cleveland also is in the running for Gooden, but someone in the know says he’s leaning toward the Spurs over the Mavericks. Both will make their decision known today…