Lakers Reportedly Talking Deal: Perkins for Benjamin, Christie

SALT LAKE CITY — The Lakers and SuperSonics are discussing a trade that would send Sam Perkins to Seattle for unsigned No. 1 draft choice Doug Christie and former Clipper Benoit Benjamin, a Seattle source said.

Bob Whitsitt, Seattle general manager, said he “probably” will close a deal in the next day or two.

Perkins, 31, averaged a career-best 16.5 points last season and 13.7 so far in this one. He is signed for three more seasons after this one at $3.1 million per season.

Benjamin, a disappointment as a Clipper, fared no better in Seattle after signing a $17.5-million, five-year contract that has three years remaining. He has played less than 15 minutes a game, averaging 6.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, and last week was fined $500 for missing a morning practice.

Christie, a former Pepperdine star, has been sitting out since the June draft, unable to come to terms with the SuperSonics. A 6-foot-6 swing man, he was rated ahead of Anthony Peeler by the Lakers, who passed him over because of a medical report on his surgically repaired knee.