(AP)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavaliers star LeBron James is tired of watching basketball and ready to start playing again.
James missed two games after twisting his right ankle last Friday against Detroit, but is likely to play at Philadelphia on Friday night.
"I'm always a guy who wants to play every game, but I think now looking back it was definitely the right decision to give the injuries I had some rest," James said Thursday after practicing for the first time. "It's not often you can look in the schedule and get a week off and only miss two games, so we took advantage of it."
He says he would have played through the injury had it been the playoffs, but instead the team chose to be cautious. While sidelined, James watched his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary, win an Ohio high school playoff game on Wednesday.
He also watched NBA games on a wall of televisions in the basement of his 35,000-square foot house.
"I'm very excited," James said about playing the 76ers. "It's going to be a good, fun night."
The news isn't as good for teammate Antawn Jamison. Cavs coach Mike Brown says there is a good chance that Jamison will miss Friday's game because of a cyst behind his left knee. He sat out the fourth quarter of Cleveland's win Monday against San Antonio.
source
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
After third straight loss, Lakers trying to stop the tailspin
After third straight loss, Lakers trying to stop the tailspin
They’ve lost four straight road games, and their Western Conference lead over Dallas is now just three games. ‘We have no choice but to keep going,’ says Derek Fisher.
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Orlando - The Lakers are reeling.
And they know that.
They lost their third consecutive game, this time a physical, trash-talking, technical-filled defeat to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Amway Arena.
The Lakers had not lost three consecutive games since they acquired Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008.
They are finding that the road to winning back-to-back championships is filled with potholes.
They are 4-5 in their last nine games.
They have lost four straight road games, and their lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference has been whittled down to three games.
"We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal," Derek Fisher said. "That's what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you're still on the path to where you want to go.
"When you're popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears."
The Lakers just didn't look sharp against the Magic.
The Lakers had three players score in double figures, the Magic had five.
The Lakers didn't get a lot of help from their bench, with a combined 16 points. Read Full Story
source
They’ve lost four straight road games, and their Western Conference lead over Dallas is now just three games. ‘We have no choice but to keep going,’ says Derek Fisher.
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Orlando - The Lakers are reeling.
And they know that.
They lost their third consecutive game, this time a physical, trash-talking, technical-filled defeat to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Amway Arena.
The Lakers had not lost three consecutive games since they acquired Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008.
They are finding that the road to winning back-to-back championships is filled with potholes.
They are 4-5 in their last nine games.
They have lost four straight road games, and their lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference has been whittled down to three games.
"We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal," Derek Fisher said. "That's what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you're still on the path to where you want to go.
"When you're popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears."
The Lakers just didn't look sharp against the Magic.
The Lakers had three players score in double figures, the Magic had five.
The Lakers didn't get a lot of help from their bench, with a combined 16 points. Read Full Story
source
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Questions keep coming after another stagnant road loss for Lakers
by mike.bresnahan@latimes.com & broderick.turner@latimes.com
Kobe Bryant says they need to bring more. Andrew Bynum says they have to work together.
ANDREW BYNUM looked at the gathering before him Friday night and listened to the question about how the Lakers haven't played a worthy game since Denver last Sunday.
Bynum smiled and answered the question before it was completed, making a statement on what Lakers' fans and the media have been wondering after the Lakers struggled to win the next game against Indiana and then lost the next two on the road at Miami and Charlotte
"What the (heck)? I think that's what everybody is thinking right now," Bynum said following the Lakers' 98-83 loss to the Bobcats.
KOBE BRYANT stood before the media with a frown on his face, his answer curt, and his tone serious and definite.
Bryant identified the problems his team has been having — being flat, not having energy.
And how do the Lakers change what ails them?
"Well, you just got to elevate your game," Bryant said. "The effort and the energy that we're playing with is not enough. You got to bring more. This time last year, it probably would have been enough. When you're champions, you've got to bring more."
The Lakers didn't bring enough of anything against the Bobcats.
They fell behind by 20 points. They turned the ball over 20 times.
They sloshed through a victory over Indiana on Tuesday, lost in overtime at Miami on Thursday and were not the same team after halftime against the Bobcats on Friday.
"We're just disjointed," Bynum said. "We're not playing together. Everybody is kind of a little discombobulated out there. That's the best way to put it. It's just like playing five sets of one-on-ones versus playing together."
Bryant said he would talk to his teammates about what's at stake, about how difficult it is to repeat as NBA champions, something he did when he was a part of the Lakers' three-peat from 2000-2002.
When asked if now is the right time to have a discussion with his teammates, Bryant shrugged.
"I don't know if it's time or not," Bryant said. "I'll just communicate and talk to my guys, just make sure that we continue to move forward and we understand that if we want to repeat as champions, it's not going to be easy. We've got to bring it."
Thumbs down
Another Laker has an injury to his hand.
Ron Artest sustained a sprained left thumb in the third quarter of Thursday's game against Miami and had it taped for Friday's game. He said he did not remember the specific play that caused the injury.
Bryant has dealt with a broken right index finger since December and Lamar Odom often tapes together two fingers on his right hand, to help ease the pressure on a sore index finger.
More recently, Shannon Brown sustained a sprained right thumb and Jordan Farmar has a sprained ligament in his left hand.
"It seems to be a hand-injury year," Coach Phil Jackson said. "They just have to adjust how to play with it."
source: latimes.com
Kobe Bryant says they need to bring more. Andrew Bynum says they have to work together.
ANDREW BYNUM looked at the gathering before him Friday night and listened to the question about how the Lakers haven't played a worthy game since Denver last Sunday.
Bynum smiled and answered the question before it was completed, making a statement on what Lakers' fans and the media have been wondering after the Lakers struggled to win the next game against Indiana and then lost the next two on the road at Miami and Charlotte
"What the (heck)? I think that's what everybody is thinking right now," Bynum said following the Lakers' 98-83 loss to the Bobcats.
KOBE BRYANT stood before the media with a frown on his face, his answer curt, and his tone serious and definite.
Bryant identified the problems his team has been having — being flat, not having energy.
And how do the Lakers change what ails them?
"Well, you just got to elevate your game," Bryant said. "The effort and the energy that we're playing with is not enough. You got to bring more. This time last year, it probably would have been enough. When you're champions, you've got to bring more."
The Lakers didn't bring enough of anything against the Bobcats.
They fell behind by 20 points. They turned the ball over 20 times.
They sloshed through a victory over Indiana on Tuesday, lost in overtime at Miami on Thursday and were not the same team after halftime against the Bobcats on Friday.
"We're just disjointed," Bynum said. "We're not playing together. Everybody is kind of a little discombobulated out there. That's the best way to put it. It's just like playing five sets of one-on-ones versus playing together."
Bryant said he would talk to his teammates about what's at stake, about how difficult it is to repeat as NBA champions, something he did when he was a part of the Lakers' three-peat from 2000-2002.
When asked if now is the right time to have a discussion with his teammates, Bryant shrugged.
"I don't know if it's time or not," Bryant said. "I'll just communicate and talk to my guys, just make sure that we continue to move forward and we understand that if we want to repeat as champions, it's not going to be easy. We've got to bring it."
Thumbs down
Another Laker has an injury to his hand.
Ron Artest sustained a sprained left thumb in the third quarter of Thursday's game against Miami and had it taped for Friday's game. He said he did not remember the specific play that caused the injury.
Bryant has dealt with a broken right index finger since December and Lamar Odom often tapes together two fingers on his right hand, to help ease the pressure on a sore index finger.
More recently, Shannon Brown sustained a sprained right thumb and Jordan Farmar has a sprained ligament in his left hand.
"It seems to be a hand-injury year," Coach Phil Jackson said. "They just have to adjust how to play with it."
source: latimes.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Clash of the stars, Wade and Miami Heat won against Bryant and Lakers
Wade and Miami Heat weathered the gutsiness play of Kobe in OT to beat the Lakers in Miami.
Wade has 27 Pts on 9-21 shooting with 5rebs and an impressive 14 Assists. While Kobe Bryant has 39Pts on 15-28 shooting. The difference is the defense. Bryant called for a crucial offensive foul a minute left of overtime and that's the turning point of the game.
It's the Lakers first over time loss in 5 Games and Miami's second win in 3 OT games.
Read more at yahoo.com
Wade has 27 Pts on 9-21 shooting with 5rebs and an impressive 14 Assists. While Kobe Bryant has 39Pts on 15-28 shooting. The difference is the defense. Bryant called for a crucial offensive foul a minute left of overtime and that's the turning point of the game.
It's the Lakers first over time loss in 5 Games and Miami's second win in 3 OT games.
Read more at yahoo.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
James files papers to switch from No. 23 to No. 6
by (AP)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season.
"All it does is back up LeBron's beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He's a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he's doing."
James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. Should he sign with another team, James would be allowed to choose any available number without needing approval.
He dismissed a question about his future shortly after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 124-93 Monday night.
"I stopped answering free agent questions a long time ago," he said.
James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one famous number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell both wore No. 6.
"The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said.
James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day in practice. He isn't the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls, and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24.
"We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
source: google.com/hostednews
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season.
"All it does is back up LeBron's beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He's a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he's doing."
James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. Should he sign with another team, James would be allowed to choose any available number without needing approval.
He dismissed a question about his future shortly after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 124-93 Monday night.
"I stopped answering free agent questions a long time ago," he said.
James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one famous number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell both wore No. 6.
"The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said.
James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day in practice. He isn't the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls, and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24.
"We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
source: google.com/hostednews
Lakers try not to dial it down; Bryant looks to dial it up
Coming off big win over Denver, Lakers face a decidedly lesser foe, the Indiana Pacers. Meanwhile, Bryant hopes to relocate his jumper after three sub-par shooting games.
by Broderick Turner
The Lakers are coming off a high, an intense win against Western Conference rival Denver.
Their elation stems partly from Ron Artest's tenacious defense Sunday against Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, plus Lamar Odom's stellar fourth quarter in which he scored nine of his game-high 20 points and collected eight of his 12 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have to zero in on a far lesser opponent.
They play the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Pacers are 20-39 and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
"I know we're going to go out there and play hard. I know that for a fact," Artest said after practice Monday. "We've been playing hard lately. We haven't been able to get the wins that we want to. Sometimes we play and we lose. But the main thing is to come out tomorrow and we play hard and it'll work itself out."
Bryant searches for his jumper
So, Kobe Bryant, what's going on with your jump shot these days?
"Well, three for 17, I'd say it's a little [messed] up," Bryant said, laughing.
He was referring to his performance Sunday against the Nuggets.
One reason for the concern is that Bryant sat out 18 days — and five games — recovering from a sprained left ankle. Then he came back against the Memphis Grizzlies last week and looked as if he hadn't missed a game.
Bryant was 13 for 19 from the field, including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also made a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to tie the score.
But since that game, Bryant has shot 19 for 56 (33.9%) from the field. He has missed all six of his three-point attempts.
"I had a lot of time off where I wasn't able to shoot the basketball, so that's why it's inconsistent," Bryant said. "Now I've got a chance to get in and kind of work on it a little bit. I did a little bit today and I'll do a little more tomorrow and get it back to that level of consistency that it needs to."
After practice Monday, Bryant played one-on-one against two kids.
On one play, he demonstrated why he is such a competitor, swatting the little kid's shot away and then smiling while talking trash.
"No mercy," Bryant said, laughing. "There's nothing wrong with posting up a little kid. He wants to play one-on-one, he knows full well what he was getting into. Naw, it was fun."
Injury update
Sasha Vujacic, who has been out because of a sprained right shoulder, has been unable to practice, but said he hopes to be available next Monday after the Lakers return home from a three-game trip.
Luke Walton, who has been out because of a pinched nerve in his back, worked out on an exercise machine Monday and said his back felt good, but that "good is a relative term right now."
Etc.
Bryant was asked what his reaction was to Denver Coach George Karl's saying the Lakers turned the game into a wrestling match.
"That's encouraging for us," said Bryant, knowing that his team has been labeled soft. "We've always been the cupcake team. I'm happy to hear that."
source:latimes.com
by Broderick Turner
The Lakers are coming off a high, an intense win against Western Conference rival Denver.
Their elation stems partly from Ron Artest's tenacious defense Sunday against Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, plus Lamar Odom's stellar fourth quarter in which he scored nine of his game-high 20 points and collected eight of his 12 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have to zero in on a far lesser opponent.
They play the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Pacers are 20-39 and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
"I know we're going to go out there and play hard. I know that for a fact," Artest said after practice Monday. "We've been playing hard lately. We haven't been able to get the wins that we want to. Sometimes we play and we lose. But the main thing is to come out tomorrow and we play hard and it'll work itself out."
Bryant searches for his jumper
So, Kobe Bryant, what's going on with your jump shot these days?
"Well, three for 17, I'd say it's a little [messed] up," Bryant said, laughing.
He was referring to his performance Sunday against the Nuggets.
One reason for the concern is that Bryant sat out 18 days — and five games — recovering from a sprained left ankle. Then he came back against the Memphis Grizzlies last week and looked as if he hadn't missed a game.
Bryant was 13 for 19 from the field, including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also made a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to tie the score.
But since that game, Bryant has shot 19 for 56 (33.9%) from the field. He has missed all six of his three-point attempts.
"I had a lot of time off where I wasn't able to shoot the basketball, so that's why it's inconsistent," Bryant said. "Now I've got a chance to get in and kind of work on it a little bit. I did a little bit today and I'll do a little more tomorrow and get it back to that level of consistency that it needs to."
After practice Monday, Bryant played one-on-one against two kids.
On one play, he demonstrated why he is such a competitor, swatting the little kid's shot away and then smiling while talking trash.
"No mercy," Bryant said, laughing. "There's nothing wrong with posting up a little kid. He wants to play one-on-one, he knows full well what he was getting into. Naw, it was fun."
Injury update
Sasha Vujacic, who has been out because of a sprained right shoulder, has been unable to practice, but said he hopes to be available next Monday after the Lakers return home from a three-game trip.
Luke Walton, who has been out because of a pinched nerve in his back, worked out on an exercise machine Monday and said his back felt good, but that "good is a relative term right now."
Etc.
Bryant was asked what his reaction was to Denver Coach George Karl's saying the Lakers turned the game into a wrestling match.
"That's encouraging for us," said Bryant, knowing that his team has been labeled soft. "We've always been the cupcake team. I'm happy to hear that."
source:latimes.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
Thumb surgery likely to sideline Shaq for remainder of NBA season
CLEVELAND—Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal had surgery on his injured right thumb on Monday and will likely miss the remainder of the NBA regular season, the Cavaliers said.
If he makes it back for the postseason, the NBA veteran is vowing to make up for lost time.
"He feels like he let us down, but we understand injuries happen in the game," said teammate Jamario Moon, who got a text from the star center along with the other Cavs. "I think he's really down about being out. ... He let us know it's time to continue playing basketball and he's going to be all right."
O'Neal was injured in the Cavaliers' NBA victory at Boston last Thursday, when a shot from him was blocked by Glen Davis in the first half.
He was examined on Sunday by hand specialist Thomas Graham, who performed the surgery on Monday.
The expected eight-week recovery time means O'Neal, who turns 38 on Saturday, might not be ready to play when the playoffs get underway on April 17.
He was acquired by the Cavaliers last summer after Dwight Howard and Orlando eliminated Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.
"Will be out for a min but when I return it is on," O'Neal posted on his Twitter account on Monday morning. "Win da ring for da king! Luv my team, Cavs baby!"
Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry said O'Neal will wear a splint for a fortnight, then begin rehabilitation.
"Our guys have done a very good job of stepping up this season. We are confident they will do the same in this situation," Ferry said
source: inquirer.net
If he makes it back for the postseason, the NBA veteran is vowing to make up for lost time.
"He feels like he let us down, but we understand injuries happen in the game," said teammate Jamario Moon, who got a text from the star center along with the other Cavs. "I think he's really down about being out. ... He let us know it's time to continue playing basketball and he's going to be all right."
O'Neal was injured in the Cavaliers' NBA victory at Boston last Thursday, when a shot from him was blocked by Glen Davis in the first half.
He was examined on Sunday by hand specialist Thomas Graham, who performed the surgery on Monday.
The expected eight-week recovery time means O'Neal, who turns 38 on Saturday, might not be ready to play when the playoffs get underway on April 17.
He was acquired by the Cavaliers last summer after Dwight Howard and Orlando eliminated Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals.
"Will be out for a min but when I return it is on," O'Neal posted on his Twitter account on Monday morning. "Win da ring for da king! Luv my team, Cavs baby!"
Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry said O'Neal will wear a splint for a fortnight, then begin rehabilitation.
"Our guys have done a very good job of stepping up this season. We are confident they will do the same in this situation," Ferry said
source: inquirer.net
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