Lakers move into NBA finals consumed by quest for redemption

LOS ANGELES — It’s going to be Orlando, not Boston, in the NBA finals. Even though the opponent is different, the Los Angeles Lakers are still consumed with redeeming themselves after last year’s abject failure.

Cavaliers center Ben Wallace considering retirement after Cleveland knocked out from playoffs

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cleveland center Ben Wallace is considering retirement following the Cavaliers’ elimination from the playoffs.

Cavs’ LeBron James says loss in Eastern Conference finals to Orlando will not impact future

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — LeBron James finally talked about not making the NBA finals, and insists Cleveland’s loss to Orlando will not impact his future with the Cavaliers.

Ratings up for Magic-Cavaliers series on TNT

Orlando’s Eastern Conference championship-clinching victory over Cleveland drew more than 8.3 million viewers, capping a strong series for TNT.

Orlando Magic evaluating All-Star Jameer Nelson for possible return for NBA finals

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is evaluating All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson for a possible return to the Magic lineup for the NBA finals that begin Thursday night in Los Angeles.

It’s Magic: Orlando makes Kobe-LeBron story line disappear, will meet Lakers in NBA finals

There will be no Kobe-LeBron showdown in the NBA finals — and that could make things tougher for the Lakers.

LeBron James not enough to save Cavs from elimination, end Cleveland’s championship drought

ORLANDO, Fla. — LeBron James walked off the court, head down, brushing off a few pieces of confetti. He ignored the few taunts by Magic fans and took one last look at the crowd without muttering a word.

Magic Moment: Howard scores 40 as Orlando makes NBA finals with 103-90 win over Cavs in Game 6

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic can no longer be ignored. After 14 frustrating years, a team overlooked and ignored all season sent LeBron James home and is on its way to face Kobe Bryant in the NBA finals.

Magic Moment: Howard scores 40 as Orlando makes NBA finals with 103-90 win over Cavs in Game 6

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic can no longer be ignored. After 14 frustrating years, a team overlooked and ignored all season sent LeBron James home and is on its way to face Kobe Bryant in the NBA finals.

Yuta Tabuse leaves Japan national team for another shot at NBA; 5-9 guard to attend Mavs’ camp

TOKYO — Former Phoenix Suns guard Yuta Tabuse is leaving Japanese basketball for another shot at the NBA.

Kobe Bryant scores 35 points and Lakers top Nuggets 119-92 in Game 6 to get back to NBA finals

DENVER — Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are heading back to the NBA finals after dispatching the pesky Denver Nuggets with a 119-92 victory in Game 6 on Friday night.

Kobe Bryant leads Los Angles Lakers to 119-92 win over Nuggets, return trip to NBA finals

DENVER — Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are heading back to the NBA finals after dispatching the pesky Denver Nuggets with a 119-92 victory in Game 6 on Friday night.

Hansbrough not worried about his place in upcoming draft

CHICAGO — There was more than a touch of defiance in Tyler Hansbrough’s voice while he spoke Friday at the NBA predraft camp.

Person with knowledge of talks: Jordan has agreement in principle to accept 76ers coaching job

The Philadelphia 76ers have an agreement in principle with Eddie Jordan to become their next head coach.

Phil Jackson still waiting for benefits of NBA officiating ‘transparency’ to take hold

DENVER — Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is still waiting for the NBA’s new era of officiating “transparency” to improve the game.

Person with knowledge of talks: Jordan offered 76ers coaching job

The Philadelphia 76ers have an agreement in principle with Eddie Jordan to become their next head coach.

Postseason NBA Schedule

Philadelphia 100, Orlando 98

Orlando 96, Philadelphia 87

Saved By LeBron: James records triple-double as Cavaliers beat Magic 112-102 in Game 5

CLEVELAND — LeBron James made a new guarantee: Game 6.

Saved By LeBron: James records triple-double as Cavs beat Magic 112-102, stay alive in Game 5

CLEVELAND — LeBron James made a new guarantee: Game 6. With Cleveland’s wondrous season on the line, James had 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, and Mo Williams, who boldly predicted his team would come back and win this tight-as-can-be series, added 24 points in the Cavaliers’ 112-102 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 on Thursday night.