Nets center Brook Lopez said speculation about the Nets' interest in acquiring Dwight Howard doesn't bother him, and added he could even see himself playing alongside Howard -- if the Nets were able to sign the Magic center as a free agent or otherwise acquire him without trading Lopez.

"You know, I’ve played with bigs before – on other levels, obviously -- with my brother (Robin), growing up,'' Lopez said. "So I think we could do it, if it came down to it somehow. By no means am I endorsing or going out there and saying stuff, but I think we’d find a way if that happened.''

Lopez said his arm -- which was operated on last week to remove calcium deposits and bone fragments that bothered him the entire season -- feels "great,'' and if it heals properly, won't be a problem next season.