RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Source: Howard Also Considering Warriors

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:49:25 EDT

Dwight Howard is considering signing with the Golden State Warriors as well as the previously reported Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks, a source close to the player said Thursday.

According to the source, Howard's main concern involves "what team he feels has the best chance to win championships, has the best team and system around him."

Howard can't officially sign with a team until July 10, when a moratorium on NBA business is lifted.

Kupchak Denies Discussing D'Antoni With Howard

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:17:42 EDT

Mitch Kupchak denied a report that indicated his exit interview conversation with Dwight Howard included the impending free agent venting about Mike D'Antoni.

Howard met with Kupchak privately after also meeting with both he and D'Antoni. 

"To be honest with you, I wouldn’t let it go there anyway," said Kupchak about letting a player dictate the Lakers' coaching situation. 

Kupchak has worked to gain the trust of Howard during the 12-13 season, which he has by all accounts.

"I'm not saying they don't have differences like with any coach or any player," said Kupchak. "I don't think it's anything that goes beyond." 

Jackson Laughed When Informed Of Lakers' Decision To Hire D'Antoni

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:43 EDT

When Phil Jackson received a phone call from Mitch Kupchak late on Sunday, Nov. 11 that the Los Angeles Lakers had decided to hire Mike D'Antoni to replace Mike Brown as head coach, he had an amused reaction.

"I laughed," Jackson said on Wednesday. "It was humorous to me when Mitch said that we think that Mike is a better coach for this group of guys."

Jackson had been prepared to tell Kupchak that he was interested in coaching the Lakers again.

Jackson believes the move to hire D'Antoni was made to cater to Steve Nash.

"I think it didn't happen because there was some concern how are we going to move in the right direction for this ballclub," Jackson said. "When Mitch gave me the call close to midnight on Sunday night right before I was going to give them an answer Monday morning and said, 'We've made a choice. We're going to hire Mike D'Antoni. We think he's the best coach for this group of guys.' My answer was, 'For Steve Nash, yes, I agree but for Dwight Howard, I'm not so sure.'

"In the process of thinking about how they could best use the team I think they thought first and foremost about Steve Nash and how Steve Nash was going to fit inside of an offensive system that I coach. ... I think that was a concern for them."

Jackson felt that his system would have allowed Pau Gasol and Howard to have a similar type of success as Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Jackson claims to not be interested in coaching, but does seek a front office position in the NBA.

"I don't see myself coaching again, I really don't," Jackson said. "When I discussed this with Jeanie Buss, she said make sure you tell them that Jeanie still thinks you can coach even though you might say you're not going to coach again. Jeanie still thinks I can coach but I'm not going to go there."

Howard Deciding Between Lakers, Rockets

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:47 EDT

Dwight Howard is currently torn between re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and joining the Houston Rockets in unrestricted free agency, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Howard's displeasure with Mike D'Antoni became known on Tuesday in a report from ESPN. During his exit interview with Mitch Kupchak, Howard reportedly said that he was frustrated with how D'Antoni used him and that he wasn't treated like a team leader the way he did with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.

Near the end of the regular season, all signs had pointed toward Howard re-signing with the Lakers.

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:37 EDT

The Houston Rockets have emerged as an attractive free agent possibility for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Howard became familiar with the area after spending part of two summers ago working with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with James Harden.

Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and the Rockets.

Dwight Expressed Frustrations With D'Antoni To Kupchak

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:14:58 EDT

Dwight Howard expressed to Mitch Kupchak during his exit interview that he was frustrated by how Mike D'Antoni used him during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources.

Howard also felt marginalized by D'Antoni, feeling he looked to Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions.

D'Antoni elected not to retain Chuck Person on his coaching staff, who is a confidant of Howard. Furthermore, Steve Clifford has become a head coaching candidate for several NBA vacancies. Clifford was with Howard for five seasons with the Orlando Magic.

One source described the potential departure of Clifford, coupled with the loss of Person as "removing the buffers," between Howard and D'Antoni, "which is a bad thing."

Howard has been careful not to make public comments after what happened last season with Stan Van Gundy, but the situation with D'Antoni doesn't appear to be irreparable.

"It's not a, 'It's me or Mike,' situation for Dwight," said a source.

Howard is a free agent and can sign a five-year, $118 million contract with the Lakers, or up to a four-year, $87.6 million deal with a rival team that has cap space.

Clippers Have No Interest In Pursuing Dwight Howard

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:39:54 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have no interest in pursuing Dwight Howard this offseason, according to sources.

The Clippers have been reported as a possible destination, albeit a longshot, to end up with Howard.

The Clippers do not have cap space to sign Howard while also re-signing Chris Paul, which would have forced them to complete several complicated deals in order to acquire him.

Jackson Admits Kobe's 2003 Arrest Impacted Relationship

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:14:41 EDT

In a new book, Phil Jackson writes that charges of a sexual assault committed by Kobe Bryant in 2003 impacted their relationship.

Jackson's daughter, Brooke, had been sexually assaulted by an athlete while she was in college, so Bryant's situation "cracked open an old wound."

Jackson left the Lakers following the 03-04 season.

"The Kobe incident triggered all my unprocessed anger and tainted my perception of him. ... It distorted my view of Kobe throughout the 2003-04 season," Jackson writes. "No matter what I did to extinguish it, the anger kept smoldering in the background."

Jackson eventually returned to the Lakers and enjoyed an effective working relationship with Bryant.

Jackson also extensively compares the game and personality of Bryant with Michael Jordan.

"Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe," Jackson writes. "He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around.

"Kobe is different. He was reserved as a teenager, in part because he was younger than the other players and hadn't developed strong social skills in college. When Kobe first joined the Lakers, he avoided fraternizing with his teammates. But his inclination to keep to himself shifted as he grew older. Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road."

Pau Gasol To Undergo FAST Technique Procedure On Both Knees

Wed, 08 May 2013 20:35:31 EDT

Pau Gasol will undergo a "FAST Technique" procedure on Thursday to help alleviate tendinosis in both knees.

The procedure uses a probe inserted into the knee which directs ultrasonic energy to eliminate scar tissue without damaging healthy tissue.

Gasol previously said he would consider going to Germany in the offseason to undergo a platelet-rich plasma procedure.

Report: Lakers' Plan A Is To Bring Back Team With Gasol

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:25:51 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers' "Plan A" is to keep Pau Gasol and bring back the rest of the team, according to a report citing a source with knowledge of the organization's thinking.

Since the Lakers were swept in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, Gasol talked openly about this season possibly being his last in Los Angeles.

Gasol is set to make upwards of $19 million next season.

Kobe Bryant has been a staunch supporter of Gasol, saying he believes the Lakers should keep the big man.

Bobcats Receive Permission To Interview Lakers Assistant Steve Clifford

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:16:04 EDT

The Charlotte Bobcats have received permission to interview Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford as a possible replacement for fired coach Mike Dunlap.

Clifford is known for his defensive expertise after spending nine seasons as an assistant under the Van Gundy brothers -- first Jeff Van Gundy with the Houston Rockets, then Stan Van Gundy with the Orlando Magic.

Alvin Gentry, Nate Tibbetts, Kelvin Sampson, Jeff Hornacek and Elston Turner are also expected to interview for the Bobcats’ coaching vacancy.

D'Antoni To Hire Defensive Assistant

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:45:49 EDT

Mike D'Antoni is considering adding a defensive assistant to his staff with the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.

D'Antoni's first choice is believed to be Nate McMillan. The two coaches worked together as assistants with Team USA.

McMillan, however, is expected to land a head coaching job.

Alvin Gentry could fill the role, according to sources.

Dwight Howard Advised Against Surgery On Shoulder

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:35:56 EDT

Dwight Howard, who was diagnosed with a torn labrum after originally injuring his right shoulder on January 4th, was examined on Wednesday.

Howard, who missed six games this season due to the injury, was advised that surgery is not necessary at this time.

Dwight Howard Doesn't Want Any Outside Pressure On Free Agency Decision

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:49:15 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers enter an uncertain offseason that will be dictated by their ability to re-sign Dwight Howard.

"We're very confident that we can build around Dwight Howard," said Mitch Kupchak.

Kupchak had a long conversation with Howard on Tuesday that he felt went well. Kupchak did confess that it is difficult for him to be fully confident of Howard returning to the Lakers.

"I think he understands: the sooner, the better for everybody," said Kupchak about when Howard may make a decision.

Howard also addressed the media on Tuesday.

"I just want an opportunity to make a decision for myself to make myself happy," Howard said. "I just don't want any pressure from anybody."

Howard also wants to avoid his free agency becoming an event unto itself the way his departure from the Orlando Magic materialized. 

"I'm not gonna allow any of the fake rumors from last year to happen this year. If something comes out, you're going to hear from me."

Howard wrapped his interview session by indicating that the most memorable moment from the 12-13 season with the Lakers was when he was pranked by his teammates in the preseason to run out of the tunnel by himself.

Gasol Told Future With Lakers Not Directly Tied To Howard Decision

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:02:22 EDT

Pau Gasol addressed the media at the end of a difficult season for the Los Angeles Lakers and ahead of an offseason where his future is in doubt. 

"I prefer to stay, but I'm prepared if I'm not," said Gasol.

Gasol also said that Mitch Kupchak indicated that his future with the Lakers is not directly tied to the decision Dwight Howard ultimately makes in free agency.

If Gasol returns, he hopes that there is better understanding of how he can be utilized by Mike D'Antoni.

"I think we have to understand each other a lot better.”

Jamison Not Expected To Re-Sign With Lakers

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:14:21 EDT

Antawn Jamison is not expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.

Jamision will undergo wrist surgery on Tuesday for an injury sustained on March 22. Jamison played through the injury to help the already injury-depleted Lakers.

Jamison skipped his exit interview with the Lakers on Monday.

Meeks: Dwight Loves Los Angeles, Loves Team

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:06:58 EDT

Jodie Meeks became one of Dwight Howard's closest friends this season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Meeks was asked on Monday if he thinks Howard will re-sign with the Lakers.

"I know he loves this city," said Meeks. "I know he loves the team. We got pretty close this year as friends -- from the same hometown [Atlanta]. I can't really say exactly what he's going to do but I know he likes the city."

Meeks has one season remaining on his contract with the Lakers, assuming they pick up their team option.

Gasol Hopes To Remain With Lakers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:32:34 EDT

Pau Gasol has one season remaining on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and hopes to return even though he could be dealt in the offseason.

"I would like to be a part of another championship team here, but it is not totally up to me," Gasol said.

"We could definitely get it done [if the roster stayed intact], but I would be pretty surprised if there was no changes whatsoever. I would be surprised if that happens."

Gasol said he had "certain desires that [Phil Jackson] would be chosen" to replace Mike Brown instead of Mike D'Antoni.

Gasol and Jackson remain in frequent contact.

Dwight Howard Calls First Season With Lakers 'Nightmare'

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:56:01 EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2013 NBA Playoffs in four games by the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, finishing a season in which beloved owner Jerry Buss passed away, Mike Brown was fired and controversially replaced by Mike D'Antoni, Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles tendon amid countless other injuries and the team was unable to fully incorporate Dwight Howard.

“Like a nightmare," said Howard on his first season with the Lakers. "It’s like a bad dream and we just couldn’t wake up from it. That’s what it felt like.”

Howard underwent back surgery last spring and came back earlier than expected, but was far from his dominant former self.

Howard will be a free agent in the offseason.

"Going to step away from everything for a couple weeks and clear my head before I do or talk about anything as far as next season."

D-League MVP Goudelock Was Borrowing Money From Girlfriend Before Returning To Lakers

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:18:52 EDT

Andrew Goudelock made $475,000 last season as a second round pick with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Goudelock was cut by the Lakers before the season opener this season and went on to play in the D-League, ultimately winning MVP honors.

The Lakers signed Goudelock for the final two games of the regular season and playoffs following Kobe Bryant's season-ending injury.

“I’m broke,” Goudelock said. “I’m cool. Nobody would know that I’m broke. I just come here with a smile on my face.” 

Goudelock averaged 21.4 points in the D-League and is now starting for the Lakers int he playoffs.

“This business just keeps getting crazier,” Goudelock said. “I wouldn’t think I’d be here two weeks ago. Nothing happens the way it’s supposed to happen. This is a great opportunity, going from the D-League a week and a half ago to starting in the playoffs. It shows you the nature of the business.” 

Goudelock was living paycheck to paycheck after finishing up his rookie salary. 

“I was so broke I had to borrow money,” he said. “I’ve had the same girlfriend since college, and I had to call her to give me money and she’s still in college, but I didn’t have any other choice. I didn’t want to call my parents. I’m too old for that. Some days I couldn’t even eat, and she sent me money. It’s definitely an experience I’m going to tell my kids about.” 

Goudelock made about $1,200 every two weeks while he was in the D-League, while his per diem was $40.

Pau Gasol Considering Treatment In Germany On Knee In Offseason

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:50:47 EDT

Pau Gasol has dealt with tendonosis in both knees this season.

“It’s something I’ve dealt with all year, but I have to do something to regenerate the tissue,” Gasol said, “so I don’t have to play with this pain.”

Gasol was asked if he might consider going to Germany in the offseason to undergo a derivation of the platelet-rich plasma procedure.

“I’ll go to wherever I need to go,” Gasol said. “It’s a possibility.”

Metta World Peace Expects To Miss Game 4

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:53:02 EDT

Metta World Peace returned from a torn meniscus in his left knee earlier than anyone expected, but he admitted after Game 3 that the knee "was bummish" and that he is expecting to miss Game 4 on Sunday.

"I'll probably sit out Sunday," World Peace said. "... I was the weak link tonight."

World Peace went scoreless in 17 minutes on Friday, when the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3.

The Lakers are down 3-0 in the series and face elimination in Game 4.

Andrew Goudelock Named D-League MVP

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:57:33 EDT

Andrew Goudelock has been named the 2013 NBA Development League’s Most Valuable Player, as voted by the NBA D-League’s 16 head coaches, for his efforts as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Sioux Falls Skyforce. 

Goudelock (6-3, 200, College of Charleston) played in 37 games, all starts, for the Vipers this season, averaging 21.4 points to go with 5.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 36.7 minutes, while leading the team in scoring 16 times.  Selected to play in the 2013 NBA D-League All-Star Game, Goudelock was traded in January to Rio Grande Valley from the Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he played in 14 games. 

In all, Goudelock appeared in 52 regular season NBA D-League games, averaging 21.1 points, good for third best in the NBA D-League, to go with 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 37.1 minutes. 

Howard Thinks Ibaka Should Have Been DPOY

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:36:38 EDT

Dwight Howard supported Serge Ibaka for Defensive Player of the Year.

“I think Serge Ibaka, with all the stuff he did this year, I think he should have been the guy to win it this year and last year,” Howard said.

“The stuff he’s done on the defensive end, I thought he was the clear-cut winner, but people saw it other ways.

“He led the league in blocks. That’s what defense is all about.”

Ibaka led the league in blocks per game (3.3) and finished third in block percentage (7.4), behind JaVale McGee (8.4) and Larry Sanders (7.6).

Jerry West Defends D'Antoni's Job Performance With Lakers

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:47:40 EDT

Jerry West came out in support of Mike D'Antoni, who has received criticism after the Los Angeles Lakers squeaked into the playoffs with a 45-37 record.

"I think there's been far too much criticism of Mike [D'Antoni]," West said.

"I think it's grossly unfair to him. He inherited a team that had a bunch of injuries," West said. "He inherited a team without a training camp. I think he's done a nice job, to be honest with you."

Fans and analysts have urged the Lakers to pound the ball into the post.

"All these social media things about throw the ball inside -- you have to be able make shots from the outside if you're going to be able to make shots from the inside," West said.

Howard: Everyone Knows Reason For Finishing 14th In DPOY Voting

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:05:00 EDT

Dwight Howard finished 14th in Defensive Player of the Year, a shocking result for a player who won the award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Howard returned early from back surgery and also played through a torn labrum in his shoulder.

"That's funny," he said. "That's OK. We've got next year and I've got a long time. But this year is funny.

"I didn't vote so I don't know what to do about it. But it's OK. I think everybody knows why I didn't win or why I didn't get any votes."

Marc Gasol won the award, beating out LeBron James and Serge Ibaka.

Jordan Hill Available For Game 2

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:31:57 EDT

Jordan Hill will be available for the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Hill had previously been ruled out of the first round series, but he has progressed so significantly in workouts and practices that he can play in limited minutes.

Hill tore a muscle in his hip on Jan. 6.

Nash Could Have 'Good Chance To Play' In Game 1

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:32:00 EDT

Steve Nash had two epidural injections in his lower back this week and believes there is a good chance he will play in Game 1 of the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs if the treatment works.

"It really depends on whether the two epidurals work," Nash said. "If they kick in, I have a good chance to play."

Mitch Kupchak also expressed optimism that Nash could return for Game 1 on Sunday.

The Lakers will have three days off before the playoff opener in San Antonio.

"He felt a lot better [Wednesday]," Kupchak said of Nash. "He had a limited workout, which he really hasn't been able to do. We're hoping that [Thursday] morning he feels better and can increase the workout a little bit."

Kobe Asks For Gasol Trade Speculation To End Following Triple Double

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:07:04 EDT

Pau Gasol recorded a triple-double in the Los Angeles Lakers' 99-95 overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday to secure the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

Gasol had 17 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists, his second triple double of April.

"Can the talk of trading Pau Gasol come to a cease now?" Bryant said via Twitter.

Lakers To Keep Mike D'Antoni For Next Season

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:05:06 EDT

Mitch Kupchak confirmed on Wednesday that Mike D'Antoni will return next season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Yeah, he's back. I think he's done a great job," Kupchak said to the Los Angeles Times. "There's been no discussions otherwise.

"He's made adjustments. He's been flexible. He's evaluated how he coaches as the season's progressed. He's listened to the players. He's very easy to work with and we think in particular since the meeting the day of the Memphis game, yeah."

D'Antoni has two more guaranteed years for a total of $8 million. 

"Much has been made of the injuries, and the coaching change [in November] and no training camp, which is certainly a part of it," Kupchak said of their up-and-down season.

"It takes a while. You're in New York coaching and you see the Lakers once or twice a year, you don't know the personnel. And the injury situation when he got here, Steve Nash had the broken leg. There's just too much going on to really look at it any other way."

Get Your Latest NBA News From RealGM's Basketball Wiretap

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:17:02 EDT

Get all the latest news and happenings from around the NBA with RealGM's Basketball Wiretap.