Sign of the times: Cleveland fans camp out for chance to get LeBron James to autograph bookWESTLAKE, Ohio — Ideally, Cleveland fans want LeBron James to sign a contract extension. LeBron James’ book signing draws fans waiting hours in tents and sleeping bagsWESTLAKE, Ohio — Cleveland area fans have camped out in tents and sleeping bags for the chance to get LeBron James’ autograph on his new book. Free agent swingman Desmond Mason signs one-year deal with KingsFree-agent swingman Desmond Mason signed a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Trail Blazers add experience with forward Juwan HowardPORTLAND, Ore. — Veteran forward Juwan Howard signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team announced Thursday. Lead negotiatior for referees union says lockout appears ‘imminent and unavoidable’NEW YORK — The lead negotiator and spokesman for the NBA’s referees union said Thursday a lockout appears “imminent and unavoidable” following the latest breakdown in talks. Person with knowledge of deal tells AP that Desmond Mason could soon sign with KingsFree-agent swingman Desmond Mason met with the Sacramento Kings this week and could sign as soon as Thursday. The King (James) of Comedy: LeBron to play himself in upcoming movieCLEVELAND — LeBron James is leaving Cleveland — for Hollywood. NBA referees reject latest contract proposal, remain hopeful of reaching new dealNEW YORK — NBA referees have voted unanimously against the NBA’s latest contract proposal, but remain hopeful a deal can be reached in time to avoid a lockout. Billionaire shopping mall magnate, Indiana Pacers co-owner Mel Simon dies at 82INDIANAPOLIS — Building suburban indoor malls that drew generations of American shoppers was Melvin Simon’s specialty. He was among the first to jump on the trend in the 1960s, starting a company that eventually made him a billionaire and became the largest in the business. Spain, Serbia clinch spots in quarterfinals at European basketball championshipLODZ, Poland — World champion Spain and Serbia clinched the final two spots in the quarterfinals at the European basketball championship on Wednesday. Billionaire shopping mall magnate, Indiana Pacers co-owner Melvin Simon dies at 82INDIANAPOLIS — Melvin Simon, the son of a New York City tailor who started what is now the country’s largest shopping mall company and owned the NBA’s Indiana Pacers with his brother, died Wednesday, a spokesman said. He was 82. Rubio’s replacement: Timberwolves introduce free agent signee Ramon SessionsMINNEAPOLIS — When Ricky Rubio told the Minnesota Timberwolves he was planning on staying in Spain for at least the next two years, word quickly spread to restricted free agent Ramon Sessions. All Heat basketball operations employees, including Riley and Spoelstra, taking cuts in salaryMIAMI — Miami Heat basketball operations employees have accepted up to a 20 percent pay cut in order to avoid layoffs. Phoenix Suns agree on contract buyout with swingman Sasha PavlovicPHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns reached an agreement on a contract buyout with swingman Sasha Pavlovic, who was acquired from Cleveland as part of the trade that sent Shaquille O’Neal to the Cavaliers. Blake Griffin cleared to participate in Clippers’ workoutsLOS ANGELES — No. 1 NBA draft pick Blake Griffin has been cleared to work out with the Los Angeles Clippers after hurting his shoulder during the summer league. Turkey beats Spain 63-60 to remain undefeated at European basketball championshipLODZ, Poland — Turkey remained undefeated at the European basketball championship Saturday with a 63-60 victory over Spain, the world champions who are led by NBA stars Pau Gasol and Rudy Fernandez. Francona’s best player hit .202, made it into Hall of Fame anywayBOSTON — When Michael Jordan was inducted into the basketball hall of fame on Friday night, Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona was 90 miles away trying to shuffle his pitching staff to deal with a rain delay. Jordan reaches new heights with Hall of Fame enshrinementSPRINGFIELD, Mass. — From the coach who cut him to the players who disrespected him, Michael Jordan never forgot a slight. Hall of Fame enshrines reluctant stars in Sloan, StocktonSALT LAKE CITY — Jerry Sloan needed a little coaxing from his children before acknowledging he may be Hall of Fame material. A coronation for a man who walks on air: Jordan leads a distinguished 2009 Hall of Fame classSPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Michael Jordan was the best, no doubt about it. NBA referees bracing for lockout at start of season after breakdown in contract talksNBA referees are prepared to be locked out for the start of the season after negotiations with the league on a new contract broke down this week when David Stern ended the latest bargaining session. Racing to meet financing deadline, developer unveils revamped design for NBA arena in BrooklynNEW YORK — With just months to go until a critical financing deadline, the developer trying to move the New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn unveiled a revamped design for the team’s new arena Wednesday. Prosecutor: No charges will be filed in alleged rape involving Arkansas basketball teamLITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Three University of Arkansas basketball players investigated after a female student claimed that she was raped at fraternity party will not face charges, a prosecutor said Wednesday. France downs defending champion Russia 69-64 at Euro basketball championshipWARSAW, Poland — Ronny Turiaf had a double-double and Tony Parker added 17 points Wednesday to help France to a 69-64 win over defending champion Russia at the European basketball championship. Prosecutor: 3 Arkansas basketball players under investigation for rape at fraternity houseFAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Three University of Arkansas basketball players are under investigation after an alleged rape at a campus fraternity house, a prosecutor said Wednesday. Forest City Ratner releases new design for NJ Nets arena in BrooklynNEW YORK — A new design for the Brooklyn home of the New Jersey Nets features weathered steel and glass, with a canopy that juts out like the bill of a baseball cap. Iverson tweets he’s going to Memphis; reported agreement to 1-year dealMEMPHIS, Tenn. — Allen Iverson will be a fan attraction for the Memphis Grizzlies — from the very beginning. Blazers sign rookie Jeff Pendergraph, who will have hip surgeryPORTLAND, Ore. — The Trail Blazers signed rookie Jeff Pendergraph a day before the forward is set to have hip surgery. Michael Jordan picks David Thompson as Hall of Fame presenter; Barkley, Chaney also presentersMichael Jordan has chosen David Thompson, another high flyer from North Carolina, to present him, while Charles Barkley and Isiah Thomas also will be presenters at the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony. Grizzlies owner, staff meet with Allen Iverson as sides move closer to completing dealMEMPHIS, Tenn. — The owner of the Memphis Grizzlies and the team’s staff met with Allen Iverson on Monday, moving closer to a deal bringing the veteran guard to a young team. LeBron James makes a stop in London to help promote basketball in BritainLONDON — King James got a royal greeting Saturday. North Carolina begins 100th season with alumni charity pro game that draws sellout crowdCHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The rosters featured NBA All-Stars and players who helped North Carolina win national championships. Yet the crowd that filled the Smith Center for the charity game featuring Tar Heel alumni playing professionally saved the biggest cheer for two people who weren’t even playing. Source close to the deal says Timberwolves have signed Ramon SessionsMINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed restricted free agent point guard Ramon Sessions to an offer sheet, a person close to the deal says. Attorney says medical records show Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki’s former fiancee not pregnantDALLAS — Prison medical records show Dirk Nowitzki’s former fiancee is not pregnant, the Dallas Mavericks forward’s attorney said Thursday. Attorney says tests show Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki’s former fiancee not pregnantDALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki’s attorney says prison medical records show the Dallas Mavericks player’s former fiancee isn’t pregnant. |