SH Blog: Kupchak will not trade Howard, Rockets interested in Danny Granger

• Brandon Knight believes he was punched by Metta World Peace, from Vince Ellis of USA Today: “Knight was very animated after the game, which the Lakers won, 98-97. “The play needs to be reviewed because he definitely threw a punch,” Knight said. “It felt like he threw a punch. That’s why I reacted the way I did. “The play was over and he grabbed me around the neck. If someone grabs you around the neck, you’re not just going to let that happen. You do what you need to get that person off you.”

• World Peace credited Knight for being a tough kid, then took a shot at his lack of position in the backcourt, from Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles: “He’s a small guy,” World Peace said after the game about the play when the got tangled up with Brandon Knight and called for a flagrant foul 1. “He was trying his hardest to keep me off him. He worked hard, man. That kid, I don’t know where he’s from, I don’t know what school he went to, because he was guarding me and I was crashing the boards. He’s a tough kid, man. He tried to keep me off the glass and he did a good job. That’s all I can say. He’s a tough kid, very great. He’s a tough point guard or shooting guard or whatever he is.”

• Here is the play in question:

• Is D’Antoni a liar? He and Pau Gasol are clearly not communicating at the same wavelength, according to T.J. Simers of Los Angeles Times: “It’s hard to know personalities if you don’t get in touch with them,” said Gasol, his relationship with the Lakers coach now cordial and tension-free but still anchored in disagreement. The coach and player met at a Manhattan Beach restaurant a few weeks back, and most folks were left with the impression they had a meeting of minds. “It was an effort on our part to try and come to an understanding,” Gasol said. “But I don’t think it’s translated to an understanding. Nothing significant has happened; it’s probably even gone a little backwards.” Jim Buss said recently he was told by D’Antoni that Gasol was a happy camper now because D’Antoni was saving Gasol’s knees and prolonging his career. It was amusing news to Gasol, who played 37 minutes against Minnesota and 40 versus Detroit. “Never heard that,” he said.

• In fact, if D’Antoni and Howard are still with the Lakers beyond this season, Gasol just may ask to be traded for a fresh start, from Simers: “If this coach stays and Dwight Howard remains with the Lakers,” I asked, “what about you?” “It would be hard for me to deal with another season knowing the facts you just mentioned,” said Gasol, 32 and with one year remaining on his contract. “So do you ask for a fresh start elsewhere?” “It’s a possibility,” he said, “yes.” He will not request a trade before this month’s deadline, he said, although he knows there is interest from other teams for a starting center and he will be returning to the bench soon.

• Despite what appeared to be a scary injury when it initially happened, Tim Duncan suffered only minor damage, from NBA.com: “Spurs forward Tim Duncan underwent an MRI today on his left knee in San Antonio. The exam showed no structural damage. The injury occurred during the second quarter of last night’s game vs. Washington. At the same time he suffered a mild right ankle sprain. Duncan is listed as day-to-day with a sore left knee.”

• Erik Spoelstra hinted at the idea of starting Chris Bosh for the All-Star game, from Shandel Richardson of Sun Sentinel: “I’ve only given this thought for the last nine minutes,” Spoelstra said. “But I will tell you this, unequivocally, that my loyalties are first and foremost always with the Miami Heat.” A spot in the starting lineup became available when Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo was lost for the season because of a knee injury. The other starters are New Yorks Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Celtics center Kevin Garnett. Spoelstra said he will just enjoy the moment before making any decisions. “This year, people have been talking about championship hangover, things of that nature,” Spoelstra said. “We see it a different way. We’re starting to play better basketball in the last three or four weeks, so it is an honor.”

• Bosh is surprised, but glad that Raptors fans still boo him. Richardson has details: “It’s been nearly three years since Bosh decided to leave Toronto, yet the sting remains for the fans. They booed him every time he touched the ball despite this being Bosh’s fourth return to face his former team. “Yeah, I’m a little surprised,” Bosh said. “They (fans) pay their money. They can do what they want. I hope they just remember the good times.” Bosh said the jeers served as his motivation, especially in the second half when he scored 22 of his 28 points. “I was hearing a lot from the fans,” Bosh said. “I thank them for continuing to stay on me and calling me names. That helped my focus a lot. I was like, `I need to get in this game to shut them up.”‘

• On the one-year anniversary of Linsanity, Carmelo Anthony had this to say, from Ian Begley of ESPN New York:

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