LOS ANGELES — Thought it brilliant strategy for LeBrontosaurus to indicate to the Cleveland Plain Dealer he'll weigh signing an extension with the Cavaliers this summer. Fact or fiction, it stops the reporters from crowding him with inane questions regarding free agency two summers away . . . when the Knicks, Nets, Pistons and other teams will be waiting in the weeds to offer him as much as legally possible . . . and more. The guy knows the (media) game.

The good news regarding six head coaches being fired before Christmas is it still gives those teams plenty of time to ax the interims. Minny Ha Ha has become such an outhouse outpost (12 straight losses) rising free agents are refusing to sign side deals with owner Glen Taylor.

Kevin McHale must have his heart set on getting the guy fired who was responsible for trading O.J. Mayo for Kevin Love. Speaking (ill) of the demoted Wolverine, how on earth can McHale explain giving a guy who will not be boxed out on the offensive boards seven stinkin' minutes vs. Houston?