Divac had kept a home in Los Angeles for the past eight years, but said he sold it two months ago.

The 7-foot-1 Divac averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 assists for Sacramento last season. He lost significant playing time when the Kings acquired All-Star center Brad Miller from Indiana, and Divac’s scoring average was the lowest of his career.

In his six seasons with Sacramento, the Kings made the playoffs each year.

“It’s been a great six years for me. I hope I did something to help the franchise to get where they are now,” Divac said. “Obviously when you leave a situation like that, it’s sadness.

“But somebody asked me, “How did you choose the Lakers?’ It’s easy for me because it’s a familiar situation for my family and me.”

Divac became a target of boos from the Lakers’ fans while with Sacramento, and O’Neal accused him of “flopping” to get calls from the referees.

Divac believes the Los Angeles fans will welcome him back.

“I’m playing for the Lakers and they’ll support me,” he said.

The revamped Lakers could have a starting lineup of Divac at center, Bryant and Gary Payton at guard, Odom at small forward and – if he does play – Malone at power forward.

Malone had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will decide later this summer if he will return for another season.

Divac hopes he will.

“It would be a big difference, playing with him or without him,” Divac said.

AP-ES-07-20-04 2137EDT