Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell on his player option: “When I signed my contract last year, I knew what position I was going to put myself in, so to be in that position now with a little leverage, I’ll try to take advantage of it.”

Michael Malone: “I think Darvin Ham is a hell of a coach. That’s not an easy job. I think Darvin does it with class. He’s a good man, good coach, and I wish him all the best. Hopefully, he’ll be around there for a long time because he deserves to be.”

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is doubtful to return to Game 4 against the Miami Heat with right calf tightness,

Karl-Anthony Towns on Anthony Edwards: “He’s a young star. He’s the face of the league. I’ve been saying that. He hates when I say it, but it’s true. His future’s so bright I’ve got to put the sunglasses on most of the time when I’m walking around with him.”

Kevin Durant on Anthony Edwards: “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league at 22. His love for the game shines bright. That’s one of the reasons why I like him the most because he just loves basketball, he’s grateful to…

Anthony Edwards on Kevin Durant: “I got the utmost respect for KD. He comes in and competes every night. I’ve watched every one of his games since I’ve been 5. I love that guy. I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.” (TNT)

New York Knicks forward Bojan Bogdanovic underwent an MRI, which showed ligament damage in his left wrist, league sources told HoopsHype. Bogdanovic will play through the wrist injury for the rest of the NBA playoffs and surgery will be a potential option during the offseason.

Dame Lillard on his Achilles injury and if he’ll play in Game 4: “That’s the plan.”

The New Orleans Pelicans signed Matt Ryan to a three-year, $6.1 million deal, which is guaranteed for $1.5 million this season, non-guaranteed for the 2024-25 season, and includes a team option for the 2025-26 season, league sources told HoopsHype.

Knicks say Mitchell Robinson (sprained left ankle) is out for the remainder of Game 3 against the 76ers.

Naz Reid is the first Timberwolves player to win Sixth Man of the Year. He’s the third undrafted player to win, joining Darrell Armstrong (1999) and John Starks (1997). His 169 threes are the most in a season by an undrafted PF/C. He won by the smallest margin in award voting 👀

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade has been ruled out for the remainder of the team’s series with the Orlando Magic. Wade sustained a right knee sprain that has sidelined him since March 13. Wade will remain out indefinitely.

Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis on re-signing Malik Monk in free agency: “We better keep him. I think there’s no excuse. I’ll talk to Monte (McNair) and Vivek (Ranadivé).”

More on Monk’s future and his Sixth Man of the Year candidacy on HoopsHype. hoopshype.com/2024/04/10/mal…

Nets GM Sean Marks on Nic Claxton: “Nic is the No. 1 priority for us, there’s no doubt about that. We hope he’s a Net for a very long time. We hope we can continue to build around him and with him.”

Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez on Nic Claxton: “I believe he’ll be the Defensive Player of the Year for us. He’s a priority this summer.”

Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez: “We will see results right away because this industry is about getting results.'

Tobias Harris and Miles Bridges are on the Pistons’ radar as their top potential free agent targets, per James L. Edwards III/Michael Scotto (hoopshype.com/lists/pistons-…).

Detroit projects to have $60+ million in cap space.

Jamal Murray believes that the duo of himself and Nikola Jokic is better than the pairs of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving

“I think we’re the best duo. I think they’re in a bigger market and people have…

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray discussed why he wants to remain a Nugget long-term, how he feels about his All-Star snubs, where he and Nikola Jokic rank as a duo, why Jokic should be MVP, coach Michael Malone behind the scenes, and more on HoopsHype. hoopshype.com/lists/denver-n…