VIDEO: Jackson talks about health, Artest

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’ 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.

No Market for Allen Iverson? Are the Charlotte Bobcats Insane?

Ah basketball free agent season. You smell money shifting hands, athletes moving their oversized suits from one city to another, and brings new hope to struggling franchises… by Jonathan Slotter 52 reads Opinion Ah basketball free agent season.

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.

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

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.

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.

Suicide lines: Celtics offer ‘Sheed deal; Iverson to the Heat? (Yahoo! Sports)
Every weekday morning, Ball Don't Lie serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your…

VIDEO: Jackson talks about health, Artest

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.

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

VIDEO: Jackson talks about health, Artest

No Market for Allen Iverson? Are the Charlotte Bobcats Insane?

Ah basketball free agent season. You smell money shifting hands, athletes moving their oversized suits from one city to another, and brings new hope to struggling franchises… by Jonathan Slotter 52 reads Opinion Ah basketball free agent season.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Suicide lines: Celtics offer ‘Sheed deal; Iverson to the Heat? (Yahoo! Sports)
Every weekday morning, Ball Don't Lie serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your…

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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…

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.

Bobcats Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The question was never what the Bobcats wanted to do, but rather whether they could pull it off.

They needed a shooting guard to back up Raja Bell, a player who sacrifices his body to guard some of the best scorers in the NBA. The late season injuries Bell suffered were a factor in the Bobcats falling out of playoff contention, so it was essential to have an insurance policy.

There were two players who could fill that hole in the vicinity of the Bobcats‘ 12th pick—Louisville’s Terrence Williams and Duke’s Gerald Henderson. Their first choice would have been Williams, who went 11th to the New Jersey Nets. The Bobcats considered themselves lucky that Henderson was still available.

He has flaws, particularly in shooting range.

VIDEO: Jackson talks about health, Artest

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

Bobcats select Duke’s Henderson

See, a Tar Heel can profess love for a Blue Devil. Grudgingly at least. With Louisville’s Terrence Williams off the board, the Charlotte Bobcats addressed their need at shooting guard by grabbing Duke’s Gerald Henderson.

Bobcats Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The question was never what the Bobcats wanted to do, but rather whether they could pull it off.

They needed a shooting guard to back up Raja Bell, a player who sacrifices his body to guard some of the best scorers in the NBA. The late season injuries Bell suffered were a factor in the Bobcats falling out of playoff contention, so it was essential to have an insurance policy.

There were two players who could fill that hole in the vicinity of the Bobcats‘ 12th pick—Louisville’s Terrence Williams and Duke’s Gerald Henderson. Their first choice would have been Williams, who went 11th to the New Jersey Nets. The Bobcats considered themselves lucky that Henderson was still available.

He has flaws, particularly in shooting range.

Suicide lines: Celtics offer ‘Sheed deal; Iverson to the Heat? (Yahoo! Sports)
Every weekday morning, Ball Don't Lie serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your…

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…

Charlotte Bobcats Getting Inside
The question was never what the Bobcats wanted to do, but rather whether they could pull it off. They needed a shooting guard to back up Raja Bell, a player who sacrifices his body to guard some of the best scorers in the NBA. The late season injuries Bell suffered were a factor in the Bobcats falling out of playoff contention, so it was essential to have an insurance policy.

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.

Charlotte Bobcats Notes, Quotes
–The Philadelphia 76ers‘ interest in trading center Samuel Dalembert has to register with the Bobcats, who have a center — Nazr Mohammed — they’d happily move. Dalembert’s best time as a pro came while playing for now-Bobcats coach Larry Brown, who loves shot-blockers. –The moves that Washington and Atlanta made leading up to the draft — each acquired veteran help — has to add to the difficulty the Bobcats will have next season, pursuing their first playoff appearance.

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

Bobcats select Duke’s Henderson

See, a Tar Heel can profess love for a Blue Devil. Grudgingly at least. With Louisville’s Terrence Williams off the board, the Charlotte Bobcats addressed their need at shooting guard by grabbing Duke’s Gerald Henderson.

Charlotte Bobcats Roster Report
DRAFT PICKS: Gerald Henderson, G, 6-4, Duke (first round) — He fills such an obvious need behind Raja Bell that he’d have to be an all-time flop not to be in the Bobcats‘ rotation as a rookie. Derrick Brown, F 6-8, Xavier (second round) — The Bobcats claim he was 20th on their draft board, yet he lasted to the 40th pick. He’s a small forward at the NBA level who could play some power forward.

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.

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.

Charlotte Bobcats Roster Report
DRAFT PICKS: Gerald Henderson, G, 6-4, Duke (first round) — He fills such an obvious need behind Raja Bell that he’d have to be an all-time flop not to be in the Bobcats‘ rotation as a rookie. Derrick Brown, F 6-8, Xavier (second round) — The Bobcats claim he was 20th on their draft board, yet he lasted to the 40th pick. He’s a small forward at the NBA level who could play some power forward.

Bobcats select Duke’s Henderson

See, a Tar Heel can profess love for a Blue Devil. Grudgingly at least. With Louisville’s Terrence Williams off the board, the Charlotte Bobcats addressed their need at shooting guard by grabbing Duke’s Gerald Henderson.

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…

Charlotte Bobcats Getting Inside
The question was never what the Bobcats wanted to do, but rather whether they could pull it off. They needed a shooting guard to back up Raja Bell, a player who sacrifices his body to guard some of the best scorers in the NBA. The late season injuries Bell suffered were a factor in the Bobcats falling out of playoff contention, so it was essential to have an insurance policy.

Bobcats Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The question was never what the Bobcats wanted to do, but rather whether they could pull it off.

They needed a shooting guard to back up Raja Bell, a player who sacrifices his body to guard some of the best scorers in the NBA. The late season injuries Bell suffered were a factor in the Bobcats falling out of playoff contention, so it was essential to have an insurance policy.

There were two players who could fill that hole in the vicinity of the Bobcats‘ 12th pick—Louisville’s Terrence Williams and Duke’s Gerald Henderson. Their first choice would have been Williams, who went 11th to the New Jersey Nets. The Bobcats considered themselves lucky that Henderson was still available.

He has flaws, particularly in shooting range.

Bobcats select Duke’s Henderson

See, a Tar Heel can profess love for a Blue Devil. Grudgingly at least. With Louisville’s Terrence Williams off the board, the Charlotte Bobcats addressed their need at shooting guard by grabbing Duke’s Gerald Henderson.

Charlotte Bobcats Notes, Quotes
–The Philadelphia 76ers‘ interest in trading center Samuel Dalembert has to register with the Bobcats, who have a center — Nazr Mohammed — they’d happily move. Dalembert’s best time as a pro came while playing for now-Bobcats coach Larry Brown, who loves shot-blockers. –The moves that Washington and Atlanta made leading up to the draft — each acquired veteran help — has to add to the difficulty the Bobcats will have next season, pursuing their first playoff appearance.

Charlotte Bobcats Getting Inside
The question was never what the Bobcats wanted to do, but rather whether they could pull it off. They needed a shooting guard to back up Raja Bell, a player who sacrifices his body to guard some of the best scorers in the NBA. The late season injuries Bell suffered were a factor in the Bobcats falling out of playoff contention, so it was essential to have an insurance policy.

Why do teams want Jason Kidd? (Yahoo! Sports)
The confusion just continually leaves me speechless. I usually don't know where to begin little columns like…

Charlotte Bobcats Notes, Quotes
–The Philadelphia 76ers‘ interest in trading center Samuel Dalembert has to register with the Bobcats, who have a center — Nazr Mohammed — they’d happily move. Dalembert’s best time as a pro came while playing for now-Bobcats coach Larry Brown, who loves shot-blockers. –The moves that Washington and Atlanta made leading up to the draft — each acquired veteran help — has to add to the difficulty the Bobcats will have next season, pursuing their first playoff appearance.

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.