Talk show in works for Lauer, Couric?

No, she hasn't quit as anchor of "The CBS Evening News" and he hasn't left as co-anchor of "Today," but why let those facts stand in the way of a good-to-possibly-true story? Matt Lauer and Katie Couric could reunite to co-host a syndicated talk show.

Don't get too excited -- yet. This story comes with a warning label: People with vested financial interests in such a venture have circulated it to The New York Times, which calmly observed Monday that "the notion had been 'thrown around' between the former hosts -- and is under serious consideration."

This story has legs because Lauer and Couric already have spent a successful decade on the air together. Couric and Lauer's predecessor, Bryant Gumbel, never got along. But Couric and Lauer -- on the air and off -- had a long-standing mutual professional respect. Why not get together again?

Well, why not? Some reasons: Lauer's "Today" contract ends (per reports) in December 2012; Couric could be off "Evening News" in June, or shortly thereafter. She could launch a syndicated show by September. But if Couric's show airs then, and Lauer isn't available for at least 16 months -- maybe more if NBC holds him to a noncompete clause -- then what? Will Couric talk to an empty chair that has a sign -- "Matt Lauer: Coming Soon!" -- pasted to the front?

Also, what if Couric's solo show is a hit over those intervening months? Or canceled? Either way, she'd have no use for him. Couric, who left "Today" in 2006, will be on "The Early Show" and "The View" Tuesday morning, then "Today" Wednesday to promote her book, "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives." Unfortunately for the book, the only thing anyone watching will be interested in is the question she's not about to answer.