Jackson says he’ll return to coach Lakers
Phil Jackson is returning to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season. Jackson announced his decision Friday on the team’s Web site. He said he consulted the team doctor about his health before deciding. The Hall of Fame coach turns 64 in September. Jackson led the Lakers to their 15th NBA championship and his record 10th title in June. He says he’s confident he can handle another long season. “All things point to go!” he says.

Sources: Assistants in the hunt for Pistons job (Yahoo! Sports)
Cavs assistant John Kuester and Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau are contending with Avery Johnson.

Artest, Lakers reach verbal agreement
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

NBA free agents: 2009 class (Yahoo! Sports)
Team-by-team list of NBA free agents.

Confident Shaq joins Cavs (PA SportsTicker)
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Sources: Pistons’ Dumars to meet with Johnson

Pistons president Joe Dumars is scheduled to have his first face-to-face meeting with Avery Johnson later this weekend regarding Detroit’s coaching vacancy, according to NBA coaching sources.

Lakers’ Gasol to play for Spain at Euro Championship
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol will play for Spain in September in the European Basketball Championship. Gasol said Friday that it was an easy decision after winning the NBA finals. “The season went really well for me and now I want to defend our country,” Gasol said. “We’re really hopeful about the team we have, but we can’t go there with a mentality that we’ll be playing the final just because we’re really good.

Lakers hero Ariza had meteoric rise
Trevor Ariza is a Laker playoff hero, which, paradoxically, is why he’s apparently about to become an ex-Laker, Kevin Hench says.

Cleveland Cavaliers: My Dream Offseason

The draft disappointed me in a way, but also didn’t surprise me in others. When we were on the clock at pick No.

Cleveland Cavaliers: My Dream Offseason

The draft disappointed me in a way, but also didn’t surprise me in others. When we were on the clock at pick No.

VIDEO: Hill on Artest reportedly joining Lakers
Lakers fans, don’t worry. Even though the unpredictable Ron Artest is set to join L.A., Kobe & Co. will keep him in line, Randy Hill says.

VIDEO: Jackson talks about health, Artest

Confident Shaq joins Cavs (PA SportsTicker)
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Lakers take step towards repeat by signing Artest

The Lakers‘ Kobe Bryant will have even more face time with Ron Artest now that the two are teammates.

Sources: Assistants in the hunt for Pistons position (Yahoo! Sports)
Cavs assistant John Kuester and Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau also are contending with Avery Johnson for Detroit job.

Lakers hero Ariza had meteoric rise
Trevor Ariza is a Laker playoff hero, which, paradoxically, is why he’s apparently about to become an ex-Laker, Kevin Hench says.

NBA free agents: 2009 class (Yahoo! Sports)
Team-by-team list of NBA free agents.

Report: Turkoglu cuts off talks with Blazers
Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu and the Portland Trail Blazers have ended contract talks, a person close to the team confirmed Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Turkoglu’s agent, Lon Babby, didn’t immediately return calls or e-mails. The 6-foot-10 forward who helped the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city.

Lakers’ Gasol to play for Spain at Euro Championship
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol will play for Spain in September in the European Basketball Championship. Gasol said Friday that it was an easy decision after winning the NBA finals. “The season went really well for me and now I want to defend our country,” Gasol said. “We’re really hopeful about the team we have, but we can’t go there with a mentality that we’ll be playing the final just because we’re really good.

VIDEO: Jackson talks about health, Artest

NBA free agents: 2009 class (Yahoo! Sports)
Team-by-team list of NBA free agents.

Confident Shaq joins Cavs (PA SportsTicker)
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Report: Turkoglu cuts off talks with Blazers
Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu and the Portland Trail Blazers have ended contract talks, a person close to the team confirmed Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Turkoglu’s agent, Lon Babby, didn’t immediately return calls or e-mails. The 6-foot-10 forward who helped the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city.

Cavaliers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Obviously, the Cavaliers had a desperate need for a big man.

They went out June 25, and acquired one of the biggest men on the planet—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal for the expiring contracts of forward-center Ben Wallace and guard-forward Sasha Pavlovic, a conditional second-round pick in 2010 (it’s protected through 40 picks) and $500,000.

The trade was about one thing: The Cavs continued focus on winning a championship.

They needed a center after Zydrunas Ilgauskas showed in the playoffs he was no longer a championship-quality center. O’Neal, 37, was a third-team All-NBA selection last year, in addition to making the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Cavs knew they’d have to make a splash in the trade market or in free agency instead of the…

Lakers hero Ariza had meteoric rise
Trevor Ariza is a Laker playoff hero, which, paradoxically, is why he’s apparently about to become an ex-Laker, Kevin Hench says.

The Cleveland Cavaliers Must Target Rasheed Wallace in Free-Agency

The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in signing power forward Charlie Villanueva and shooting guard Ben Gordon to kick-off free-agency, as another team tries to raise the bar in the East… by John Lorge 44 reads Opinion The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in signing power forward Charlie Villanueva and shooting guard Ben Gordon to kick-off …

NBA free agents: 2009 class (Yahoo! Sports)
Team-by-team list of NBA free agents.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ free agency options are many and their pockets are deep

The Cavailers won 66 regular-season games but fell short of making the NBA Finals.

Yao will wait week before surgery decision
Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The future of 7-foot-6 (226-centimeter) Yao are in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out of all of next season, and potentially end his career. “It hasn’t been decided yet,” Yao’s agent, Eric Zhang, told The Associated Press on Friday.

Report: Celtics meet with Wallace, offer deal
Rasheed Wallace may be joining Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston.

NBA free agents: 2009 class (Yahoo! Sports)
Team-by-team list of NBA free agents.

Cavaliers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Obviously, the Cavaliers had a desperate need for a big man.

They went out June 25, and acquired one of the biggest men on the planet—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal for the expiring contracts of forward-center Ben Wallace and guard-forward Sasha Pavlovic, a conditional second-round pick in 2010 (it’s protected through 40 picks) and $500,000.

The trade was about one thing: The Cavs continued focus on winning a championship.

They needed a center after Zydrunas Ilgauskas showed in the playoffs he was no longer a championship-quality center. O’Neal, 37, was a third-team All-NBA selection last year, in addition to making the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Cavs knew they’d have to make a splash in the trade market or in free agency instead of the…

VIDEO: Hill on Artest reportedly joining Lakers
Lakers fans, don’t worry. Even though the unpredictable Ron Artest is set to join L.A., Kobe & Co. will keep him in line, Randy Hill says.

The Cleveland Cavaliers Must Target Rasheed Wallace in Free-Agency

The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in signing power forward Charlie Villanueva and shooting guard Ben Gordon to kick-off free-agency, as another team tries to raise the bar in the East… by John Lorge 44 reads Opinion The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in signing power forward Charlie Villanueva and shooting guard Ben Gordon to kick-off …

Shaq reveals new motto: ‘Win a ring for the King’
Shaquille O’Neal has joined his Cleveland teammates - and says he can help them win a title. Acquired in a trade last week with the Phoenix Suns, O’Neal was introduced Thursday as a Cavalier before cheering young fans at the team’s suburban practice facility. The Cavaliers are hoping that the 15-time All-Star can help league MVP LeBron James and Cleveland win its first NBA championship. How long will O’Neal will stay with the Cavaliers is still a question.

Updated odds to win 2010 championship following Draft, trades (Yahoo! Sports)
Bodog's odds to win the 2009-10 NBA Championship have been reassessed and posted following last week's…

Shaq reveals new motto: ‘Win a ring for the King’
Shaquille O’Neal has joined his Cleveland teammates - and says he can help them win a title. Acquired in a trade last week with the Phoenix Suns, O’Neal was introduced Thursday as a Cavalier before cheering young fans at the team’s suburban practice facility. The Cavaliers are hoping that the 15-time All-Star can help league MVP LeBron James and Cleveland win its first NBA championship. How long will O’Neal will stay with the Cavaliers is still a question.

Artest, Lakers reach verbal agreement
Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Answering your NBA questions: Greatest ever?
Kobe’s 4th title gets him closer to Jordan’s 6, but where does he stand in the best-ever discussion? Charley Rosen has an answer.

Confident Shaq joins Cavs (AP)
His nickname hasn't arrived. His motto with Cleveland is already in place. “'Win a Ring for the King,”' Shaquille O'Neal said in announcing his goal to help LeBron James get his first NBA championship. The Big Benefactor? Dressed smartly in a black suit, pink shirt and matching tie, the inimitable Shaq was introduced Thursday for the first time as a member of the Cavaliers,…

VIDEO: Hill on Artest reportedly joining Lakers
Lakers fans, don’t worry. Even though the unpredictable Ron Artest is set to join L.A., Kobe & Co. will keep him in line, Randy Hill says.

Cavaliers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Obviously, the Cavaliers had a desperate need for a big man.

They went out June 25, and acquired one of the biggest men on the planet—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal for the expiring contracts of forward-center Ben Wallace and guard-forward Sasha Pavlovic, a conditional second-round pick in 2010 (it’s protected through 40 picks) and $500,000.

The trade was about one thing: The Cavs continued focus on winning a championship.

They needed a center after Zydrunas Ilgauskas showed in the playoffs he was no longer a championship-quality center. O’Neal, 37, was a third-team All-NBA selection last year, in addition to making the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Cavs knew they’d have to make a splash in the trade market or in free agency instead of the…

Report: Rockets, Ariza agree to deal
A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza. The person, who did not want to be identified because the negotiations were ongoing, said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was meeting with the free agent in Las Vegas. The meeting was first reported by KRIV-TV in Houston, which also said Coach Rick Adelman was meeting with Ariza. The AP source could not confirm that.

Shaq reveals new motto: ‘Win a ring for the King’
Shaquille O’Neal has joined his Cleveland teammates - and says he can help them win a title. Acquired in a trade last week with the Phoenix Suns, O’Neal was introduced Thursday as a Cavalier before cheering young fans at the team’s suburban practice facility. The Cavaliers are hoping that the 15-time All-Star can help league MVP LeBron James and Cleveland win its first NBA championship. How long will O’Neal will stay with the Cavaliers is still a question.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ free agency options are many and their pockets are deep

The Cavailers won 66 regular-season games but fell short of making the NBA Finals.

Cavaliers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Obviously, the Cavaliers had a desperate need for a big man.

They went out June 25, and acquired one of the biggest men on the planet—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal for the expiring contracts of forward-center Ben Wallace and guard-forward Sasha Pavlovic, a conditional second-round pick in 2010 (it’s protected through 40 picks) and $500,000.

The trade was about one thing: The Cavs continued focus on winning a championship.

They needed a center after Zydrunas Ilgauskas showed in the playoffs he was no longer a championship-quality center. O’Neal, 37, was a third-team All-NBA selection last year, in addition to making the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Cavs knew they’d have to make a splash in the trade market or in free agency instead of the…

The Cleveland Cavaliers Must Target Rasheed Wallace in Free-Agency

The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in signing power forward Charlie Villanueva and shooting guard Ben Gordon to kick-off free-agency, as another team tries to raise the bar in the East… by John Lorge 44 reads Opinion The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in signing power forward Charlie Villanueva and shooting guard Ben Gordon to kick-off …

The Shaq Show: O’Neal wants a ring for the King (AP)
Laughing and loose, Shaq looked right at home. Shaquille O'Neal and his oversized persona debuted in Cleveland on Thursday with a stated goal for next season. His friend LeBron James craves a championship, and O'Neal is here to serve. “My motto is very simple,” O'Neal said. “'Win a Ring for the King.”' The 15-time All-Star center with four NBA titles was…

VIDEO: Hill on Artest reportedly joining Lakers
Lakers fans, don’t worry even though the unpredictable Ron Artest is set to join L.A. Kobe and Co. will keep him in line, Randy Hill says.

Cavaliers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Obviously, the Cavaliers had a desperate need for a big man.

They went out June 25, and acquired one of the biggest men on the planet—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal for the expiring contracts of forward-center Ben Wallace and guard-forward Sasha Pavlovic, a conditional second-round pick in 2010 (it’s protected through 40 picks) and $500,000.

The trade was about one thing: The Cavs continued focus on winning a championship.

They needed a center after Zydrunas Ilgauskas showed in the playoffs he was no longer a championship-quality center. O’Neal, 37, was a third-team All-NBA selection last year, in addition to making the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Cavs knew they’d have to make a splash in the trade market or in free agency instead of the…

Report: Celtics meet with Wallace, offer deal
Rasheed Wallace may be joining Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston.

Updated odds to win 2010 championship following Draft, trades (Yahoo! Sports)
Bodog's odds to win the 2009-10 NBA Championship have been reassessed and posted following last week's…

NBA free agents: 2009 class (Yahoo! Sports)
Team-by-team list of NBA free agents.

Report: Rockets GM meets with Lakers’ Ariza
A person close to the situation tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets are meeting with Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza. The person, who did not want to be identified because the negotiations were ongoing, said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was meeting with the free agent in Las Vegas. The meeting was first reported by KRIV-TV in Houston, which also said Coach Rick Adelman was meeting with Ariza. The AP source could not confirm that.

NBA notebook: July 2

Kobe Bryant insisted his contract status wouldn’t be an issue, and he was right.

Celtics continue to recruit Wallace (Yahoo! Sports)
The Celtics have discussed having Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen meet with free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace.

Updated odds to win 2010 championship following Draft, trades (Yahoo! Sports)
Bodog's odds to win the 2009-10 NBA Championship have been reassessed and posted following last week's…

Report: Gordon, Pistons agree to deal
Score two for Detroit. Ben Gordon, one of Randy Hill’s top 10 free agents, and Charlie Villanueva reportedly will sign with the Pistons.

Cavaliers Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Obviously, the Cavaliers had a desperate need for a big man.

They went out June 25, and acquired one of the biggest men on the planet—Suns center Shaquille O’Neal for the expiring contracts of forward-center Ben Wallace and guard-forward Sasha Pavlovic, a conditional second-round pick in 2010 (it’s protected through 40 picks) and $500,000.

The trade was about one thing: The Cavs continued focus on winning a championship.

They needed a center after Zydrunas Ilgauskas showed in the playoffs he was no longer a championship-quality center. O’Neal, 37, was a third-team All-NBA selection last year, in addition to making the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Cavs knew they’d have to make a splash in the trade market or in free agency instead of the…

Some big names, fewer big spenders in free agency

Some big names will be out there. The big spenders will be harder to find. Free agency opens in the NBA on Wednesday, but there should be few fireworks this July.

Shaq arrives in Cleveland (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal took his first look at his new basketball home. The 15-time All-Star center toured the Cavaliers' suburban practice facility and took his physical on Wednesday, one day before he is formally introduced as superstar LeBron James' newest teammate. O'Neal and a small group of associates met briefly with Cavs coach Mike Brown and others at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in…

Report: Pistons OK deals with Gordon, Villanueva
A person tells The Associated Press that Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon is in talks with the Detroit Pistons about joining the team. Pistons spokesman Kevin Grigg declined comment on Gordon’s situation Wednesday, saying there’s an NBA moratorium on discussing free-agent matters. But a person close to the talks says Gordon was in Michigan on Wednesday.

Answering your NBA questions: Greatest ever?
Kobe’s 4th title gets him closer to Jordan’s 6, but where does he stand in the best-ever discussion? Charley Rosen has an answer.

Continue reading “A curious courtship: Ron Artest coming to the Cleveland Cavaliers?”

Ron Artest of the Houston Rockets guards Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant during a May playoff game.

One and done: Curry gets axed

All or nothing seems to be the formula for coaching the Detroit Pistons. Bring home an NBA championship or hit the road.