As we look forward to an evening schedule that includes a Lakers/Timberwolves contest in Minnesota, Dwight Howard, who will miss tonight's game, is heading back to Los Angeles to undergo a platelet rich plasma procedure, the Lakers announced today in a press release. Here's the latest from around the Western Conference on D12 and a number of other topics:
- Ken Berger of CBSSports.com spoke to both Howard and Kobe Bryant about the All-Star center's impending free agency and future in Los Angeles.
- ESPN.com's Kevin Pelton (Insider link) thinks it's worth keeping an eye on J.J. Redick as a potential Grizzlies target, since his salary would fit in the team's new $7.49MM trade exception. However, Pelton notes that a swap would likely have to include Ed Davis, and it's not clear whether Memphis would flip Davis or if the team views him as Zach Randolph's eventual replacement.
- Grizzlies owner Robert Pera believes the team's two recent trades have made Memphis a "far more dangerous playoff team," as Kyle Veazey of the Memphis Commercial Appeal documents.
- Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins wasn't quite as bullish on the club's latest moves, as he weighed in on the Rudy Gay trade after last night's game: "When you have champagne taste, you can't be on a beer budget," Hollins said, according to John Rohde of the Oklahoman. "It's a small market and I understand the economics of being in a small market."
- In speaking to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, Brandon Roy suggested that coaching may be in his future if he has to end his playing career prematurely again. Dwight Jaynes of CSNNW.com cautions Roy that the development process of a coach involves a lot of drudgery, and wonders if Roy is the sort of "special, driven person" that could succeed as an NBA coach.
- Potential Kings bidder Ron Burkle is part of a group that's in the running to buy Anschutz Entertainment Group, according to Dale Kasler of the Sacramento Bee. However, the bid for AEG shouldn't affect his ability to make an offer for the Kings.