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.

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.

Bettman wants to keep Coyotes in Phoenix, not looking to block Balsillie from NHL

DETROIT — NHL commissioner Gary Bettman insists he is merely trying to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix, not block Jim Balsillie from buying the team and setting up shop in Ontario.

With NBA out of the way Sunday, Game 2 of Stanley Cup finals set for 8 p.m. start

DETROIT — Thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers, the NHL will have prime time to itself on Sunday night.

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.

Lakers knock off Nuggets, return to NBA finals

LOS ANGELES - Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the Denver Nuggets, and punched a return ticket to the National Basketball Association (NBA) finals.

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.

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.

NCAA reiterates Calipari not “at risk,” but still must join hearing on Memphis probe

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A letter from the NCAA tells Kentucky coach John Calipari he must participate in next week’s hearing on alleged major violations at Memphis, even though he isn’t considered “at risk” in the probe.

Kentucky Wildcats got their man in John Calipari, but was it more than they bargained for?

Freshly minted Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing, just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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.

NBA finals from June 4

WASHINGTON - The National Basketball Association announced dates and times for all games of the NBA finals.

NBA fines coach Jackson $25,000 for criticism

WASHINGTON - Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson was fined $25,000 by the National Basketball Association (NBA) for criticising referees after game four of the NBA Western Conference finals.