Derrick Rose has said that he's not big on recruiting, but the Lakers' star guard has never been bashful about working the phones to bring talent to his team. Recently, a source close to Carmelo Anthony told Frank Isola of the New York Daily News that Kobe Bryant may influence where Anthony plays next season. Here's more out of the Pacific Division..
- This year's Lakers are the definition of a one-and-done team as Steve Nash, Robert Sacre, and Nick Young are the only players with guaranteed contracts past this season, writes Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol don't have assurances past this season and neither does the newly-acquired Chris Kaman, who experienced a similar situation in Dallas last season as the Mavs geared up for a Dwight Howard run.
- Warriors center Andrew Bogut sat down with Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News for a wide-ranging interview. When asked about the club's pursuit of Howard, Bogut didn't pull any punches. "In some ways, you look at it, and it does [tick] you off a little bit. But I don’t take it personal. They’re trying to get better.I’m still here and Dwight’s created his circus and the circus is past and we’re moving on. I’m not too worried about it," Bogut said.
- A Sacramento lobbyist who assisted with the city's efforts to keep the Kings is upset that he is now left without a piece of the club, writes Dale Kasler of the Sacramento Bee.
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