I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. It was so important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December and I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me and allowing me to travel to be there. This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards.
Showing my age, but last night’s postgame scene of battered Cooper Flagg caused flashbacks of covering rookies Jason Kidd (1993-94), Dirk Nowitzki (‘98-‘99) and Luka Doncic (‘18-‘19).
What do they most have in common? Burning will to compete, win and be a great teammate.
It’s been a privilege watching each emerge and grow in real time.