Shawne Williams played in 32 games for the Los Angeles Lakers this season before being waived by the team, now the NBA veteran forward is heading to the NBA D-League according to sources. Williams is in search of a 10-day contract, and likely figures a stint in the NBA D-League will give him the best shot for another NBA opportunity. The 6-9, 230 pound forward averaged 5.1 points, and 4.4 rebounds in 20.2 minutes for the Lakers earlier this season. Williams has played for five different NBA teams in his six year career. This will be Williams’ first stint in the NBA D-League. D-League Digest - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.0mZ71uWN.dpuf
Having only played in six of the Los Angeles Lakers' first 43 games this season, Kobe Bryant does not feel he is deserving of his starting All-Star bid and plans to sit out the Feb. 16 game in New Orleans. "With all due respect to the fans that voted me in, I certainly appreciate that, they know how much I appreciate that, but you got to do the right thing as well," Bryant said before the Lakers played the Miami Heat on Thursday. "My fans know you got to reward these young guys for the work that they've been putting in." ESPN.com - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.0mZ71uWN.dpuf
The Washington Wizards, given their druthers, would love to prevent starting center Marcin Gortat from getting to free agency in July. According to the latest whispers out of the nation's capital, Gortat has been presented with the option of signing a contract extension between now and June 30 by the Wizards, who acquired the Polish big man from Phoenix just days before the season started in late October. The Wizards, though, are apparently resigned to the idea that Gortat will become a free agent July 1 after playing out the final season of his current contract, which is valued at $7.27 million. ESPN.com - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.sWnbzyXL.dpuf
Gary Payton to Anthony Bennett: "You came in overweight. You look fat. C'mon. Let's do it!" Even Payton stops short of calling Bennett the worst No. 1 pick ever, but things are not off to a good start. Sporting News - See more at: http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm#sthash.sWnbzyXL.dpuf