That experience has taken him from Boise, Idaho, to Los Angeles to Spain to Boston and back to Denver. Karl is making another run at the NBA, playing this week on the Nuggets' summer league team.

There are three facts about his current situation: First, above all else, he does not want to go back to Spain. Second, he is arguably the best player on the Nuggets' summer-league team. Third, NBA economics might squeeze him out of the league for a second straight season.

"It's weird," Karl said. "The way the NBA is right now, money's not really flying around. Rosters are going to be very short this year. So it's going to be a tough situation for guys in my situation. I hope I'm prepared, but you never know what could happen. Sometimes things just don't fall your way. I'm trying to stay positive and hopefully make a team this year."

Could that team be the Nuggets ? Odds are against it, but it's not a door that's closed.

"I would hope we would open that window of opportunity," said Coby's father, Nuggets coach George Karl. "We don't have a lot of spots open. I think he's just got to play this week and just evaluate at the end of the week. I told him don't think about anything. Don't think about the chatter. Don't make phone calls during the week.

Focus in on the five games at hand and get better at it."

Coby Karl is putting together an impressive summer, first with the Celtics in the Orlando, Fla., summer league from July 6-10. He was the team's second-leading scorer behind former Ralston Valley star Nick Fazekas in four games.

Karl made myriad eye-opening plays for the Nuggets during their game Tuesday. The team played better, more composed Basketball when he was on the court.

"He needs to become a great shooter instead of just a good shooter," George Karl said. "His effectiveness as a passer has got to go up a little bit. And I think he's got to stay mentally tough and physically tough. He's pretty committed to trying to make the league this year, getting another opportunity like he had with the Lakers and hopefully move up to where he can get on the court."

Coby wants his opportunity to come from his play, not from his dad. There have been whispers here and there that he has received special treatment, and that has worn on him.

"I guess I do have a chip on my shoulder in terms of, I want to make an NBA roster because I hear from time to time that I've been given opportunities because of who my father is," Karl said. "Especially being on the Nuggets' roster. I don't want people to think I'm there because of who my father is. I want to earn my position, earn my minutes and the opportunity that I'm given."

Footnote. Rookie guard Ty Lawson contributed seven points, four assists and three rebounds to the Nuggets' 77-70 victory over Washington in their summer-league game Wednesday. "I did all right," the former North Carolina star said. "I feel a lot better out here, getting used to the NBA game."

Sonny Weems led the Nuggets with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279

or cdempsey@denverpost.com