Lakers had brief discussion with Orlando regarding Dwight Howard

The Lakers spoke briefly with Orlando on Tuesday about the availability of center Dwight Howard, the Times has learned, a conversation described as "cursory" by a league official with knowledge of the situation.

Translation: The discussion was unproductive.

In fact, no trade proposals were even exchanged.

Howard and New Orleans guard Chris Paul can become free agents after the season, and the Lakers have now had brief talks with both teams regarding the perennial All-Stars. The Lakers were "not even close" to striking a deal with New Orleans, according to a person familiar with the Lakers' thinking who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Training camp for all 30 NBA teams is scheduled to begin Friday.

The Lakers start the season Dec. 25 against Chicago at Staples Center, part of a back-to-back-to-back set that continues Dec. 26 in Sacramento and concludes Dec. 27 against Utah at Staples Center.

Lakers' condensed schedule presents plenty of challenges

2011-12 Lakers and Clippers schedules

-- Mike Bresnahan and Broderick Turner

Photo: Orlando center Dwight Howard. Credit: Reinhold Matay / Associated Press