Fábio Balassiano @balanacesta
Brazilian's Leandro Barbosa in talks with Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets and Lakers
http://goo.gl/Tqydp
Interview:
Leandrinho admits Contact Lakers, Suns and Nets, but traces period to return to NBA
BNC: Could you tell which teams are interested in his basketball?
LB: I'm talking to, among others, with the Phoenix Suns franchise that have a history, a life there, with the Brooklyn Nets, we tried harder and the Los Angeles Lakers - is very hot with the staff there too. The Steve Nash (who played point guard with Leandrinho in Phoenix) texted me so I go there, even. When I was in the Olympics this conversation happened pretty strong, but then they signed with another wing (Jodie Meeks) and then cooled a bit. They have many owners (position 1), and if they would hire me to take one of the cast. It's early, I have to wait.
BNC: Was there any possibility of you playing point guard at some of these contacts, or you're still seen by NBA teams as a wing?
LB: I had the opportunity to play for the reserve point guard in Nash Lakers. It would be like was a bit in Phoenix. I would reserve one wing, but also some time in the frame. He said he would do it with great pleasure, without any problems.
BNC: And how would play with Kobe? You have been rivals for a long time back when Lakers and Phoenix are "loved" a lot on the court, right ...
LB: (Laughs) It would be different, right. I do not know, man, you can not talk much. We are like a lot off the court. Inside is a serious job, everybody wants to win and we had duels that were marked. Outside court we are friends, we talked a little about it in the London Olympics. It would be totally different, very cool, a nice experience to play alongside him and Nash again. In the Lakers title chance is much higher. So yes it is worth winning the league minimum salary, ie, fighting to be champion. I often think, at this point, title, trophy in, playing in a final NBA.
