I'm always going to be under a microscope, and I haven't always handled it well.

I've always been taught to care what other people think. My grandmother and mother taught me to project a positive image of myself.

I'm a role model. I have overcome the negativity, and I'm playing.

There was a possibility I could have been out of the NBA. It's taught me something that was a little deeper than basketball. I'm talking about life decisions.

Lamar is just Lamar. My teammates probably can explain that a little better than I can. If I just go out there and do what I do and be myself, it shouldn't be a problem.

Sometimes I still don't know if I'm prepared to go through the entire season, dealing with the different personalities, the crowds, the politics.

My grandmother was always upbeat, a naturally happy person. I think I got that from her.