Brook Lopez: "I like everything about New York"

In his mailbag this week, Chris Mannix talks about a number of things, but his lead item is why did Brook Lopez decide to stay in Brooklyn, knowing the team would be rebuilding.

First and foremost, Brook Lopez loves New York, a city he first visited at the time of the 2008 NBA Draft.

"There is an in-your-face attitude out here," said the California native. "But I like it. I like everything about New York City. I love how diverse it is. I love how everything you need is right here. It’s just a great place."

But he also likes the Nets and his place in the team's future.

"I looked at different options," Lopez told Mannix. "But at the end of the day there was no question I wanted to stay. I just think this was a great opportunity, and I wanted to take advantage of it."

One thing, however.  Lopez, the subject of trade talks involving Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Reggie Jackson, asked for some relief.

"We asked them to temper those ideas," Lopez said, referring to him and his agent. "We told them to pump the brakes a little."

And the Nets response?

"They said they would, but it’s a business," Lopez told Mannix.

• NBA Mailbag: Brook Lopez's decision, Thunder's start, Knicks and more - Chris Mannix - Sports Illustrated