Are the Rams ‘Shopping Around?’ : Pro football: They reject 15-year lease for practice facility.

The Rams have rejected Anaheim’s offer of a 15-year extension to their practice facility lease, which expires Dec. 31, and have countered with a two-year demand, fueling speculation the team might be setting itself up for a move.

“It appears they’re shopping around,” said James D. Ruth, city manager. “Maybe they’re doing this for leverage. I don’t know. . . . If they’re going to leave, they’re going to leave. We hope that they don’t.”

John Shaw, Ram executive vice president, said the team has no plans to move but that there are serious concerns about its prospects for financial success here.

“The city manager can draw any conclusions he wishes,” Shaw said. “If he reaches that conclusion, maybe he’s concluding our economic situation in Anaheim is not a good one.

“This (practice facility dispute) is really a sub-issue. We are exploring the economic viability of a long-term commitment to staying in Anaheim Stadium. Presently, it’s inconclusive.

“Our gross receipts are among those at the bottom of the league, and with recent expenses and the advent of free agency, I’m just not sure how viable it is going to be.”

The Rams are last in average home attendance at 45,555.