Mike D’Antoni is the right kind of stupid

Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni, on putting his starters back in the game in the fourth quarter against New Orleans on Wednesday despite holding a double-digit lead: “I’d rather you say I’m an idiot and win by 20 instead of saying I’m an idiot and lose by two. I’m not going to be that idiot. I’ll be the other one.”

Blunt assessment

Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins, on his stalled development in his third NBA season: “I’ve been terrible. We’re losing. I don’t feel like I made improvements from last year. I really don’t have any confidence at all. I’m just trying to think my way through it, but right now, I’m not finding anything.”

One thumb down

Back-to-back tweets from Orlando’s J.J. Redick regarding his recent movie going experience: “Just watched the ‘Red Dawn’ remake. Definitely should be nominated for an Oscar for best comedy. One of the funniest movies I’ve seen. ... I’ve just been told the ‘Red Dawn’ remake was not intended to be a comedy. In that case, it’s a terrible movie.”

New cyberspace chief

David Stern, talking to reporters about his lengthy career as NBA commissioner and his impending retirement: “It’s been a great run. I’m going to enjoy the next 14 months and then wait until I start my blog. Be careful, guys.”

—Ben Bolch