No time for Kobe rumors

Don’t expect the Kobe Bryant talk to die down any time soon … or at least until he’s traded. But one thing for sure, Avery Johnson certainly isn’t going to spend time speculating on the subject. He was asked if he pays attention to rumors linking superstars like Kobe to Dallas.

“Not much,” he replied. “Right now I’m trying to get Nick Fazekas to make an open 16-footer. Trying to get JJ Barea to not turn the ball over. Figure out who I’m going to start at the 2 spot. Try to get Diop well. He’s been sick twice now.

“I’m coming in here against a 7-6, 350-pound [Yao Ming] and Darvin Ham is going to have to try to control him. So that’s what I’m thinking about right now.”

Chew on that.