“Lamar is just Lamar. My teammates probably can explain that a little better than I can. If I just go out there and do what I do and be myself, it shouldn't be a problem."

“I’m always going to be under a microscope, and I haven’t always handled it well.”

“The thing I love about the NBA game is that it’s a playmaker’s league.”

“People have always told me, ‘Yo, you’re too unselfish. Shoot more.’”

“I’ve always felt that I’m a natural leader.”

“You’ve got to play with pride and guts.”

“This is how I saw it unfolding when I was 10-years-old on the playground, waiting for the street lamps to come on for extra light.”

“In New York, the dunk is not the thing. To break somebody down and shoot a J—that’s as big as a dunk in New York.”

“People tell me that I’m always smilin’ on the court. I don’t think about it. I just get emotional out there.”

“Me. I like to have fun. I’m like a kid in a candy story out there.”

“Either you can do it or you can’t. I think I can overcome anything I put my mind to.”

“There’s pressure every night to be the best on the court. I put a lot of pressure on myself. Pressure is part of the game. It is also part of life. I want to prove I can do the work and be a success off the court as well as on it.”

“If I put my mind to something and really want it, I’ll go after it and get it.”

“I’m a role model. I have overcome the negativity, and I’m playing.”

“I did some things I regret, and I know there are people who think they know me. I’ve heard the things they say, and some of them are hurtful.”

“Perception rules the world. Everyone knows that. Where we live and where we’re from, you just can’t escape it.”

“I’ve always been taught to care what other people think. My grandmother and mother taught me to project a positive image of myself.”

“When I’m on the court, it’s like I’m in heaven.”

“A little adversity can’t hold me down.”

“I’m one of those players that I think I can do what’s asked of me. Whether it’s putting the ball in the basket, rebounding the ball, diving on the floor, making other people better, I’m willing to do anything just to win.”

“I just try to focus on the basketball game and not get caught up in all the media.”

“I think a lot of the media love the game and hate the people who play it.”

“My grandma always said bad things don’t last forever.”

“I’m just a basketball player, you know? Just put me where you need me.”

“We’re all products of our environment. The key is not to fall.”

“I love being with my team. I consider myself a good teammate. I’m just like everyone else, one through 12.”

“There was a possibility I could have been out of the NBA. It’s taught me something that was a little deeper than basketball. I’m talking about life decisions.”