NBA roundup: Lakers won't fire D'Antoni or make a trade

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said the team is "very" happy with coach Mike D'Antoni and does not plan to make any trades.

The Lakers are 22-26 and 11 1/2 games back in the Pacific Division but coming off a 98-97 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

"We're very happy with Mike D'Antoni," Kupchak told Newsday on Sunday. "I think when he took the job I think he thought (point guard Steve) Nash might be out a week or two (with a fractured left leg). Not two months. Getting everybody on the same page took a little longer than expected. Not to say it's been smooth sailing, that's for sure."

Kupchak also said the team will not deal center Dwight Howard, who was acquired in the offseason from the Orlando Magic. Howard has struggled with a shoulder injury.

"We will not make a trade," he said. "We will not trade Dwight Howard. We have no intention of making a trade. It's unlikely that we'll make any trade with any of our principal players."

---Newly-acquired point guard Jose Calderon has been cleared to play for the Detroit Pistons.

Calderon was dealt to the Pistons from the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday as part of a three-team trade but could not report to the Pistons because of unresolved visa issues. Calderon is expected to play Monday night at the New York Knicks. C

---Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah will likely not play Monday night against the Indiana Pacers because of plantar fasciitis.

---Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki is expected to play Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing the last two games with a strained right adductor.

--The Los Angeles Clippers announced that forward Blake Griffin will not play in Monday's game against Washington because of the left hamstring

strain. That will end a streak of 197 consecutive

starts for Griffin.