Dexter Pittman will be expecting a hefty suspension from the NBA League Office for this thoughtless play.

Maybe the Heat reserve had revenge on his mind?

For all you writing off the Lakers as a Championship contender in the future following yet another second-round playoff exit : Kobe Bryant says to do so at your own peril. The Lakers superstar guard vowed both he, and the franchise, “aren’t going anywhere.”

“It’s kind of unfamiliar territory,” Bryant said. “I’m really not used to it. It’s pretty odd for me. I’m not the most patient of people and the organization’s not extremely patient either. We want to win and win now. I’m sure we’ll figure it out. We always have and I’m sure we will again.”

“I’m not fading into the shadows, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not going anywhere.”

“The entire team…” a reporter began the follow-up question.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Bryant interrupted. “It’s not one of those things where the Bulls beat the Pistons and the Pistons disappeared forever. I’m not going for that (stuff).”

Predictably, the Orlando Magic made two key moves earlier today, firstly firing head coach Stan Van Gundy and then mutually agreeing to part ways with General Manager Otis Smith. Van Gundy exits as the winningest coach in the franchise’s history with a .657 winning percentage. Smith was credited as being the man who orchestrated the Magic’s 2009 Finals run, but perhaps had lost the confidence of Orlando’s ownership after several questionable moves including the Vince Carter trade, and acquiring Gilbert Arenas.

Early favorites for the vacant position include Brian Shaw, Michael Malone and Nate McMillan.

They didn’t finish above their rivals the Lakers – nor did they manage to win as many playoff games as them – but Chris Paul says the Clippers had “a good season” and their future is bright. The All-Star point guard vowed the squad would continue to work at improving to win a ‘Chip.

“We had a good season,” Paul said. “I think it’s a good sign for our team, but there are no moral victories. It’s not like, ‘Oh, we made it to the playoffs and it’s all good and well.’ We feel like we should still be playing.

“We’re going to keep working. We’ve got some work to do. We obviously have got to get better.”

Miami’s Juwan Howard and Indiana’s Lance Stephenson had to be separated after the Heat veteran confronted the Pacers guard during pre-game shoot-around. Stephenson was in the news a couple of days ago for making a choking gesture to Miami’s LeBron James after the MVP missed a crucial technical free throw, but he later apologized for his actions.

It is believed this incident stemmed from the Heat players taking umbrage at Stephenson’s commentary from the bench during games.

Miami eventually won Game 4, 101-93. The series is now tied at 2-2.

The blame has begun in Los Angeles and Kobe Bryant has his finger pointed straight at Pau Gasol for turning the ball over to Kevin Durant late in the fourth instead of shooting. Bryant said Gasol needs to assert himself.

“It was a bad read,” said Bryant. “It was a bad read on Pau’s part. Pau’s got to be more assertive, he’s the guy they’re leaving [open]. When he’s catching the ball, he’s looking to pass. He’s got to be aggressive. He’s got to shoot the ball or drive the ball to the basket. He will be next game.”

Cavaliers Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving has made his directorial debut with the latest Pepsi Max commercial – also written by the point guard as well – in which he depicts, ‘Uncle Drew’, who shuffles in as a sub during a playground game in New Jersey and then proceeds to dominate the ‘‘young blood.’‘

Interesting note : The players being filmed didn’t know they were being shot for a commercial, they thought the camera crew was really there to film ‘Uncle Drew’s’ nephew.

Hilarious stuff.

Maybe Miami are crumbling under the pressure, or maybe the Indiana Pacers are exposing them as a team of champions – rather than a champion team. Whatever the case, the frustration is evident. The tension palpable.

Just ask Dwyane Wade.

The Oklahoma City Thunder scored the final 9-points in yesterday’s game against the Lakers, including this final basket by Kevin Durant that gave his team a 2-0 lead heading back to Los Angeles.

Are the brooms about to come out for the Lakers?

You have to be a brave person to punk Metta World Peace.