SLAM DUNKS. . .

Jim Boeheim, still an influence in Carmelo Anthony’s life, understands that his former star might need to leave New York to finally win a ring. In an interview on Sirius XM Radio, the Syracuse coach brought up what Anthony himself has referenced — the fact that

LeBron James needed to leave Cleveland and join up with some other stars before he finally won a championship. “LeBron, without Dwy- wyane Wade the last couple of years, would not win the championship, I don’t think,” Boeheim said. We’re just not sold on Anthony leaving the Garden, mainly because we have yet to hear of a big-market team in L.A. or Chicago that intends to gear up and make a a run for his services.

nNo one with the Blazers is complaining about the job Terry Stotts is doing, but team sources say his standing in the locker lock room would be helped if he made more of a con concerted effort to strengthen his relationship with LaMarcus Aldridge, his All-Star forward. Stotts is working on the final season of his contract and there has been no talk of an extension. n The Lakers wer were open to trading Pau Gasol until the they couldn’t pry one of Phoenix’s top draft draf picks for this June away from the Suns. Suns Phoenix could be getting No. 1 picks from Minnesota and Washington, W and the Lakers are seeking seek one of those prime assets. Even as Gasol G misses the next 10 days or so with a g groin injury, the two teams are expected to resume talks.