If I had to guess, I think its just a rumor that the Nuggets let out hoping to get the Knicks to improve their offer. But if that did happen, the Lakers would be scary with Kobe/Melo/Gasol .
Anyway, I'm not sure how the NBA salary cap works, but how would Lakers afford Melo (assuming he signs extension) when they already have some high paid players in Kobe, Gasol, Odom and Artest.