Jason Kidd confirmed he believes Amar’e Stoudemire will make his season debut in late December and said he thinks Stoudemire’s addition will be smooth.
“I think Amare’s close,” Kidd said on “The Michael Kay Show” on 98.7 FM. “I think he is very close, around the corner in getting involved in playing. Maybe at the end of this month.
“I think he’ll fit in just fine. Everyone’s thinking he’s not going to fit in. He makes us deeper and bring us an interior defender and big guy who can shoot the ball and spread the ball. You don’t have to worry about that.”
In the odd chance Woodson puts Stoudemire into the starting lineup, Kidd or Ronnie
Brewer would have to go to the bench, probably Brewer.
* J.R. Smith wouldn’t allow back spasms to force him out of the game in the second half of the Knicks’ 100-97 win in Brooklyn on Tuesday, and Thursday morning was listed as probable for the Knicks showdown with the Lakers.
Smith underwent 45 minutes of treatment after the victory and didn’t speak to reporters. Smith hasn’t missed a regular-season game because of injury since joining the Knicks.
He injured his back in a first-half collision and used a heating pad on the bench. Coach Mike Woodson kept asking him if he wanted to come out in the fourth quarter but Smith refused and finally broke out of a prolonged shooting slump with a 7-of-15 outing.
* Kobe Bryant on the 16-5 Knicks: “They play with a belief. They believe that they deserve to be in the championship conversation.” … Kidd on facing the slipping Lakers: “They got to give them some time. They have so much talent over there, so we’re going to have our hands full. Kobe’s leading the league in scoring. You look around the roster. It’s deep and talented.’’ … Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni on the enthusiasm of Knicks fans when they win: “Madison Square Garden is a special place. … Win one or two in a row and they think you can win a championship. You can feel it.’’