West Notes: Warriors, James Wiseman, Suns, Lakers

Warriors

Center James Wiseman is maintaining a positive attitude after being demoted to the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors.

“There’s urgency,” Wiseman said, via Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle. “I just came back from a rehab. Really, I’m just trying to get back on the court and just get my rhythm again.”

Wiseman was selected with the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2020, but has appeared in just 50 NBA games since. But again, he appears to be making the most of the hand he’s been dealt.

“His attitude has been unbelievable from the regard of asking me if there’s things he can do better, asking about the defense, being willing to accept playing here,” Santa Cruz coach Seth Cooper said, via Letourneau. “There are a lot of guys not just picked where he was, but picked anywhere in the draft, who would want to come here and just have the ball all the time. … That’s not him.”

• In case you missed it, the Warriors are considered among the top suitors for available Suns forward Jae Crowder. We have the full post here.

Suns

• Guards Chris Paul and Landry Shamet were full participants in the non-contact portion of practice on Wednesday, coach Monty Williams said, via Duane Rnakin of the Arizona Republic.
• The Suns appear to be closing in one a Crowder trade, and it could involve multiple teams. We have that full story here.

Lakers

• Rookie guard Max Christie has cleared health ad safety protocols for Friday’s road game vs. the Spurs, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
• Star forward LeBron James (adductor) is also expected to return on Friday. More on Hoops Wire here.
• Several opposing executives think the Lakers could hang on to point guard Russell Westbrook, given his recent strong play off the bench. More here.