Author: Mark Medina, USA TODAY

Worthy players are always going to be left off the NBA All-Star team, so how do coaches establish criteria for who gets the coveted spots?

The Lakers have lost four of five, and LeBron James is playing big minutes without Anthony Davis. Still, James isn’t interested in hearing about rest.

With one giant leap, the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NBA draft defied gravity. With one strong slam, Anthony Edwards then defied strength.

The sitting of players as teams seek trade partners symbolizes the differences in perception when team seeks a trade vs. when a player requests one.

With Friday night’s win over the Pelicans, the Mavericks have won four in a row and five of six after a rough start to the 2020-21 NBA season.

Kevin Durant was disappointed that he had to sit because of the league’s health and safety protocols, but he’s looking forward to Golden State return.

Asked if he wants to match Tom Brady’s career longevity, Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James said, “I don’t know how long I’m going to play the game.”

Saying, “I believe as a white man in America, I certainly have a role in these conversations,” Kyle Korver has used his platform to speak out on race.

The elite scoring abilities of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving might not be enough for the Brooklyn Nets to win an NBA title.