SLAM DUNKS. . .

n The Mavs will court Carmelo Anthony, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they go into free agency thinking their best shot is to get Luol Deng. He’s a better fit for Rick Carlisle, with his willingness to play defense and the fact that he doesn’t need the ball. all.

Dirk Nowitzki won’t even look at other teams when he becomes free. I’ve got to o think Deng is also on Chicago’s radar if the Bulls can’t get Melo. . . . Down the road, we’re thinking that a couple of teams that at passed on Kentucky’s Julius Randle (Orlando, Utah and Boston) are going to live e to regret it. Randle has ha the confidence to go along with the game to make it big. “I heard Kob Kobe was as little tough on rookies, but I don’t care,” he said before be the draft. “The city of Los Angeles A expects nothing but championships. cham What more can I ask for?” You can c see Kobe

Bryant B smiling. n Once the Heat gets Kyle

Lowry L in free agency, a then

LeBron L James just has to find a player or two with size and Miami will be on its way to nailing down its fifth straight Eastern Conference crown. Adding Toronto’s guard and getting Shabazz Napier is already an upgrade over Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole. ... The Hawks might not have to worry about deciding whether they should finish in eighth place anymore. Drafting Michigan State center Adreian Payne will allow them to put Al Horford back at his natural power forward spot. With Paul Millsap on Payne’s other side, that’s got the potential to be a pretty potent frontcourt. So put ‘em down for seventh.