Amar'e Stoudemire: Championship or bust next season

Amar'e Stoudemire said the only thing that's going to cut it next season is a title.

"Anything less than a championship," the power forward said on MSG Thursday during Knicks' Summer League broadcast from Las Vegas, "is a waste of a season."

Stoudemire, looking leaner, said he's down to 245 pounds and has been training two times a day since May. He said he's strong, healthy and ready to go, and is thrilled with the trade for Raymond Felton.

The two worked well in their short time together before Felton was dealt to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade.

"Awesome, awesome acquisition with Raymond," Stoudemire said. "He's a phenomenal player. He's one of those guys you know is going to bring his 'A' game. He’s going to play extremely hard on both ends of the court and he’s ready to win."

Stoudemire also chimed on in Jeremy Lin's departure.

"Last year was a great year for Jeremy," Stoudemire said. "He did a phenomenal job for us when I was injured and Carmelo was injured. He pretty much revitalized the team. He got us back where we needed to be and we took that momentum on to the postseason.

"But when he got injured, it was tough for us because we depended on him to be the starting point guard for us. But with those great games he played, I think he deserved the contract he got with Houston. Too bad we couldn’t keep him, but he’s going to do a great job in Houston."