LAKERS NOTEBOOK: OAKLEY HAS PLENTY OF OPTIONS.

Byline: Howard Beck Staff Writer

Charles Oakley likes the Lakers. Phil Jackson likes Charles Oakley. And everyone with an opinion seems to like the match.

But Oakley is in no rush to make a decision, and the Toronto Raptors will get every opportunity to keep the veteran rebounder.

``Obviously Charles is anxious to explore all his options, including the Lakers,'' Billy Diamond, Oakley's financial adviser, said Friday.

The free-agent negotiating period opened Thursday, but the Lakers had not yet contacted Oakley, who figures to be pursued by several teams.

Jackson already has expressed an interest. Oakley and Jackson overlapped one year with the Chicago Bulls, when Jackson was an assistant coach. They also have in common close relationships with former Bulls Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

``He has a good relationship with Phil and has the utmost respect for him,'' Diamond said.

Oakley has financial incentive to stay put. He's earned ``Bird'' rights with the Raptors, who can pay him whatever it takes and will offer at least $4 million a year. The Lakers, and most other suitors, can offer only the $2 million salary exception.

But Diamond said Oakley, a 14-year veteran, is financially secure ``for the rest of his life'' and won't necessarily be motivated by money.

``It's a pleasure decision, not a pressure decision,'' Diamond said. ``He wants to go somewhere at this point in his career where he will be happy.''

In Toronto, happiness means playing alongside Rookie of the Year Vince Carter and talented youngster Tracy McGrady on the NBA's most improved team. In L.A., happiness could mean a chance to win a championship before he retires. The 35-year-old Oakley wants to play three more years.

``I think (competing for a championship) is part of the equation,'' Diamond said. ``I don't think it's an overriding factor.''

Teams cannot sign free agents or make trades until Aug. 1. Diamond said Oakley plans to take his time and probably won't agree to a deal until close to that date.

Winter's tale: Assistant coach Tex Winter, architect of the Bulls' famed triangle offense, is also being wooed by Jackson. But the 76-year-old Winter is contemplating retirement. If he coaches another year, he might choose to stay with Chicago out of loyalty.

Winter is headed to Greece for a basketball clinic/vacation and plans to make a decision by the time he returns July 12.

``I will use that period of time to think things out,'' he said. ``At my age, it's time to weigh things carefully.''

Former Bulls assistants Jim Cleamons and Jimmy Rodgers are expected to fill two of the three slots on Jackson's staff. An announcement should come next week, when Jackson returns to L.A. after a week at his Montana home.

Bullwatch: The Lakers have contacted the agent for former Bulls small forward Jud Buechler, who might choose to rejoin Jackson here. And if Oakley doesn't work out, don't be surprised if Dennis Rodman becomes an option.

Jackson, writing in this week's ``ESPN The Magazine,'' ponders the possibility of bringing the troubled Rodman back to the Lakers and notes that the Bulls succeeded with Rodman by using a support system that included a team psychologist.

Thus, some food for thought: On Wednesday, as Jackson talked about his support staff, he said he'd like ``people . . . that have worked with me in the past that are on the physical (training) end of it, the mental end of it, the psychological end of it too.''

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Photo: CHARLES OAKLEY

The veteran forward has expressed interest in joining the Lakers but probably will not make a decision for several weeks.