Pay gap is no big deal to Curry

What’s this, a pro athlete with perspective?

Two-time MVP Stephen Curry — when ESPN asked if it bothers him being only the fourth-highestpaid Warrior — replied: “If I’m complaining about $44 million over four years, then I’ve got other issues in my life.” We now return you to our usual assortment of miscreants and knuckleheads.

Taking stock

From the Past Performance Is Not An Indicator Of Future Performance file comes this note: Curry — in his very first collegiate game for Davidson — committed 13 turnovers.

Quote marks

Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va., after ex-NBA player Stephen Jackson said he sometimes smoked pot before games: “Which was evident in his career game stats, where he averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.7 pizzas.”

Staying focused

The 76ers’ Jahlil Okafor has been the subject of trade speculatione.

“As a professional in the NBA, that’s something I’ll probably have to deal with the rest of my career,” Okafor said. “It’s something I dealt with last year and something I’ll probably deal with next year, too. I just try to worry about what I can control.”

76ers coach Brett Brown: “He’s been a star. My level of respect for Jahlil Okafor, how he’s managed and handled this situation, how you can still remain a wonderful teammate and still retain a competitive edge ... he’s got a lot to be proud of.

“He’s a wonderful person and for him to come out and jump into this game (vs. the Pistons with a sore knee) like he did and show his skill, I’m proud of him.”

Turning back clock

Last week’s Spurs-Grizzlies game featured the two oldest players in the NBA — Vince Carter of Memphis, who recently turned 40, and the Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, who turns 40 in July.

Carter blocked two shots seconds apart in a sequence in the fourth quarter, first denying LaMarcus Aldridge and then stuffing Kyle Anderson. He finished with four blocks in the game.

Looking ahead

The Lakers are turning toward their future. Coach Luke Walton: “It always comes back to what I think is best for the team. Not only right at this moment, but the future of the team. We try to make our decisions based on that, not on the salaries.”

Last week against the Knicks, he sat the team’s two marquee free agents, Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov, starting rookie Brandon Ingram at small forward for Deng and Tarik Black at center for Mozgov.

Together the two benched players have contracts worth $136 million.

“It’s getting later in the season,” said Walton. “It’s as good a chance now to start some new lineups, try some new lineups together, see how it works.”