Robin Lopez

Everybody looks to expand their game. That's how you keep yourself in this league, in this game.

You can go on about injuries in this league; those will happen.

There's been a lot of coaches, a lot of guys at Stanford, a lot of guys at my high school. A lot of guys in the NBA. Bill Cartwright comes to mind, a lot of people I've learned from.

I like contributing to the team, contributing to the game however I can.

I'm not as athletic as other players, but I like to think I'm versatile. I've become kind of a smart big man.

I've always had a bit of a temper.

Traditionally I've always led by example.

I'm not listening to 'Email My Heart.' I don't know anybody who is listening to 'Email My Heart.'

I realize the NBA has a brand that is very global. But there aren't many brands that travel as well as the Chicago Bulls. Perhaps only the Los Angeles Lakers.

When you travel around the world you see people repping your team, occasionally repping your name. That's very special, that's a bond that can't really be broken.

Basketball is such a global sport, being second to soccer.

Although Perm is one of the biggest cities in Russia it felt like a different kind of Russia. In Moscow, you have the Kremlin, St. Basil's, a lot of Soviet iconography everywhere. In Perm, it was a different side of Russia. A little more folksy. If Moscow is an iron statue of an eagle, Perm is a matryoshka nesting doll.

I think the four men of the Beatles are an apt comparison for one Robin Lopez.

The Lakers have always had nice jerseys.

Teammates sacrifice for each other.

I've always prided myself on being a defensive big man.

I think there's a real premium on skill at all positions on the court. I think that's going to continue.

Different matchups are always fun for me.

I've always admired that kind of back-to-the-basket game. That's what I grew up watching. But who doesn't like stepping out and shooting threes?

Brook isn't just my brother, he's one of my closest friends. That won't change.