IN THE LANE

CURTAIN CALL: As it stands, Goran Dragic likely never will make it to FTX Arena in a Toronto Raptors uniform, with the former Heat guard allowed by mutual agreement to remain away from the team until a trade or buyout is worked out. The Raptors’ two visits come Jan. 17 and Jan. 29. In fact, the more likely Dragic reunion game might be Feb. 15 with the Dallas Mavericks. That game is five days after the NBA trading deadline, with Dallas long linked as a possible destination. But even that game is two weeks before the buyout deadline. Raptors coach Nick Nurse said there never were issues with Dragic. “Goran is, first of all, a really good dude,” Nurse said, “extremely professional, very wise with all his experience internationally and all his years in the NBA. He’s an enjoyable guy to be around and to coach and all that kind of stuff.” Dragic’s last game action was Nov. 13. He is in the final year of a contact that pays $19.4 million this season, still collecting on that deal as he remains away from the Raptors.

ANOTHER OPTION: Speaking of Dragic, Ricky Rubio, as the Heat witnessed Wednesday, is offering the Cleveland Cavaliers the exact type of veteran leadership that the Raptors have elected to bypass with Dragic.“He has accepted a role and sacrificed for the greater good of the team, and that impacts culture, especially with the young guys,” Cavs coach J.B.

Bickerstaff said at FTX Arena.“Now there is no excuse for any of our young guys to not be willing to sacrifice.” Bickerstaff added,“Our conversations with Ricky were, ‘We want the Spanish National Team Ricky.’ He was all about it.”

WAITING GAME: Speaking of former Heat players, Trevor Ariza continues to bide his time for his Los Angeles Lakers debut. Signed away from the Heat in free agency, Ariza has been sidelined since preseason ankle surgery.“It’s definitely frustrating, especially because there are so many different things we can do with the full roster,”Ariza, 36, said this past week, in his first media session in weeks. Ariza remains a presence on the Lakers’ bench, itching for his opportunity.“That’s why I’m on the sidelines going up and down talking to [Rajon] Rondo consistently about different scenarios, situations, talking to the coaches about different scenarios and situations, just to stay engaged, so I don’t get too far out of what we’re doing and where we’re going.”

DWINDLING TOTAL: With Bam Adebayo sidelined by thumb surgery, it was not surprising that the national perspective has changed. So make it nine Heat appearances on either TNT or ESPN this season, with TNT dropping the Dec. 21 visit by the Indiana Pacers to FTX Arena (with Bally Sports Sun picking up that broadcast). But it could be worse. That game was the Pacers’ lone scheduled national broadcast. Instead of Heat-Pacers, TNT opted for the Washington Wizards at Brooklyn Nets. The only remaining national broadcast on the Heat’s December schedule is Wednesday against the visiting Bucks on ESPN.

STILL GRINDING: The grind continues for former

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest standout Brandon Knight with the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. At 30, Knight, according to Skyforce coach

Kasib Powell, has become the perfect mentor.“We go as he goes,” Powell told the Skyforce’s website. “He’s our leader on the team, on or off the floor. Whenever we get into a game where it’s a close game, in fourth quarters, or any kind of clutch situation, we want the ball in his hands. We trust that he will make the right decision every time.” Powell added, “He’s an NBA player. There is no doubt about that. Just staying healthy and showing the scouts and NBA executives that he can still play at a high level. I think that’s what he’s been doing.”