Biedrins has heard his name in packages that would bring Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire to the Warriors , but the 23-year-old center is still here. Still, stoically producing.

"It doesn't bug me at all," Biedrins said. "It will always be like that. You're always going to hear rumors about trades, but you can't think about it every time that your name is mentioned.

"You can't get mad."

Biedrins redirects that emotion into practice. He's improved his scoring and rebounding numbers in each of his first five seasons, reaching career highs of 11.9 points and 11.2 rebounds last season. He had 17 consecutive double-doubles, spanning the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, and has finished among the league's top three in field-goal shooting each of the last three years.

"I expect a nice year out of him," coach Don Nelson said. "I think if he keeps doing what he's been doing, that's the main thing. I don't think there's anything new, but we love him very much and are happy to have him.

"One of our weaknesses is rebounding, and he's our best rebounder. So, guess what? He's going to play as much as he wants."

While Biedrins is a consistent rebounder, shot blocker and setter of screens, his consistency off the court may be just as important. He easily could have added to the media-day drama, when Stephen Jackson reiterated his desire to be traded and Monta Ellis said he couldn't play alongside rookie Stephen Curry.

Instead, Biedrins eschewed any idea that he has been negatively affected by the trade talks. Biedrins was playing for the Latvian national team when he heard the latest rumor - a draft day trade to Phoenix for Stoudemire - so he called his agent.

"He said he would keep me updated and he didn't call me after that, so I never thought about it again," Biedrins said. "We have to have guys on this team who will help the young guys stay more positive and concentrate on Basketball. That other stuff will always be around, so you have to make sure your head is on straight."

That matter-of-fact attitude hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates. Anthony Morrow often stays after practice to work on free throws with Biedrins.

"He picks quiet times like that, if he wants to tell you something," Morrow said. "He doesn't have any problem telling you what needs to be done, but he'll tell you in the right way.

"That's why he's one of the biggest parts of this team."

Entering his second year of a six-year, $54-million contract, Biedrins hopes to get that kind of acknowledgement on the court, as well. He's shown great understanding and timing in the pick-and-roll game and the ability to score when using his left hand, but he wants more.

Biedrins has added a right-handed hook and is working on his face-up game. His increased aggressiveness has been obvious in training-camp scrimmages, when he's taken the ball right at defenders instead of looking to pass first.

"It gets harder and harder as opponents scout you and figure out what you like to do, so you have to bring something new to the table," Biedrins said. "I've been around long enough to understand most everything that's going on, and I just want to use that experience to help this team."

Briefly: Ellis answered any question regarding his ankle with 24 points and eight assists in the Warriors' 110-91 win over the Lakers at the Forum on Friday. Two days after spraining his left ankle in the game's first two minutes, Ellis proved to be completely healthy and played with rookie Curry for the first time five minutes and 11 seconds, in which the Warriors outscored the Lakers by one point. ... Jackson picked up five fouls and a technical in an emotionally-charged opening nine minutes. Nelson sent him to the locker room and told him to take off the rest of the night. ... Brandan Wright had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will have his arm immobilized for up to six weeks. He could miss as much six months for his full rehab.

Warriors today vs. SunsIndian Wells Riverside CountyNBA's outdoor game6:30 p.m.TNT/680"You're always going to hear rumors about trades, but you can't think about it every time that your name is mentioned. You can't get mad."

Andris Biedrins