http://[h3]
http://[h3]Why LeBron could be a Laker[/h3]
11:23AM ET
[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers [/h5]
We told you last week that Phil Jackson's future -- whether he re-ups with L.A. this summer or heads elsewhere -- could have an effect on whether or not Kobe Bryant gets out of his contract and tests the free-agent waters this summer.
We also noted that if Jackson were to stay in L.A. but instead coach the Clippers -- a team that will be looking for a new coach next season -- it could be enough to convince LeBron James to come play the 3 for the Clips.
But what about if Jackson were to stay with the Lakers? LeBron couldn't possibly go there, could he?
Well, maybe.
According to Roland Lazenby of HoopsHype, James "is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers. He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation."
Lazenby also notes: "Mainly, he wants to wear a championship ring, which means he wants to play for Lakers coach Phil Jackson."
Lazenby also cites a source that says Jackson loves LeBron.
Obviously, there are several complicating factors here: to bring on James, the Lakers would have to free up a good chunk of their payroll, and one would assume Kobe would need to sign off on such a potential move. That is, of course, if he opts to stay with the team beyond this year. But some sort of a sign-and-trade isn't out of the realm of possibility here.
Yet, if LeBron wants to play for Jackson, and Jackson apparently loves LeBron, the Lakers aren't the only team they could team up on.
We already mentioned the Clippers.But the Nets are looking for a new coach and are hoping to make a big-name splash, Vinny Del Negro's job in Chicago still isn't rock solid and the Knicks could also unload Mike D'Antoni in favor of Jackson, if they knew it meant landing James.
http://[h3]New name for Charlotte?[/h3]
11:03AM ET
[h5]Charlotte Bobcats [/h5]
A group headed by Michael Jordan will take control of the Charlotte Bobcats if approved by the NBA owners. The Charlotte Observer reports Jordan made a "huge personal financial commitment" to help make the deal happen.
Now that Charlotte is getting a new owner, Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer wonders if the team should get a new nickname.
Bonnell writes: "If Michael Jordan listens to his customers, and potential customers, he'll seriously consider a name change from 'Bobcats' once his purchase of Charlotte's NBA franchise is complete. Too many of you have emailed me with that suggestion not to think it's an issue to many Charlotteans. You didn't like Bob Johnson naming the team after himself, and you sure don't see this as a positive once Johnson is no longer majority owner. This wouldn't be cheap. I spoke with an NBA executive who estimated it would cost the franchise anywhere from $3 million to $10 million to rebrand the team."
http://[h3]Ilgauskas still undecided?[/h3]
11:00AM ET
[h5]Zydrunas Ilgauskas | Wizards [/h5]
[h5]Ilgauskas' suitors[/h5]
There were reports over the weekend that center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has made up his mind and will re-sign with Cleveland later this month, but his agent says that's not true and called them "very premature." The agent also said the Atlanta Hawks are still in contention to sign his client.
"It's absolutely not true," Herb Rudoy told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday. "Could it happen? Absolutely. But he has not made a decision. That will be at least a few more days from now if not more."
"We haven't gotten past this whole thing of being traded away," Rudoy added. "That was sort of expected but it didn't make him happy. He's got a lot of years invested in Cleveland, and that makes it a very complicated decision for him."
Nuggets head coach George Karl spoke with Ilgauskas on Sunday and hopes the center comes West.
"I'm not giving up on that," Karl told The Denver Post. "I think he should come out to Denver and hang out."
The newspaper reports vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien sent text messages to Rudoy during the Nuggets-Lakers game on Sunday.
[h5]John Hollinger[/h5]
For Z, it's Cleveland
http://[h3]The Cavs without Shaq[/h3]
10:58AM ET
[h5]Shaquille O'Neal | Cavaliers [/h5]
Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal will had surgery on his sprained right thumb this morning in Baltimore. According to Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, it was successful, and the team says Shaq will miss eight weeks -- which means he's done for the regular season, and could miss some of the early playoffs.
Head coach Mike Brown acknowledged Sunday how much the Cavaliers will miss O'Neal.
"There have been plenty of games that he's played for us where without him, we probably wouldn't have won," Brown told The Plain Dealer. "He has had an impact against the Lakers. He has had an impact against Orlando. He has had an impact against a lot of teams, especially when Mo Williams was out and Delonte [West] was out. We won 13 in a row and he was a big part of it. He allowed us to still be able to score buckets easily in the halfcourt."
Since the first of the year, Shaq has been putting up better scoring numbers -- averaging 14.0 a game in January, and 13.6 this month -- and with Antawn Jamison spreading the defense, he was likely to get less-defended looks inside.
But Shaq's defense is the real reason he was brought to Cleveland. So without him, who steps up? Well, expect Anderson Varejao, who has gotten lots of praise this season for his pick-and-roll defense, not one of Shaq's strengths, to step up.
J.J. Hickson, who has had a breakout season but has started to see less time in the rotation because of Jamsion's arrival, will also be called upon.
The return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas could also help up front.
As long as Shaq is back by the playoffs to defend the likes of Dwight Howard, the Cavs should still be in good position to win the East.
http://[h3]Jefferson sorry, suspended[/h3]
10:52AM ET
[h5]Al Jefferson | Timberwolves [/h5]
Timberwolves forward http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2389Al Jefferson was arrested Sunday morning for allegedly driving drunk. Later in the day the team suspended him for the next two games. The Pioneer Press printed a statement from Jefferson on the incident.
"I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night. I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself. I will learn from my mistake so that it does not happen again. I fully understand and support the organization's disciplinary action. I will continue to work both on and off the court to be the best person I can be."
Jefferson has been suspended for two games. Kevin Love will shoulder more of the load in the frontcourt for the Wolves, while Ryan Hollins may get some more run as well.
http://[h3]Hill won't be sent down[/h3]
10:37AM ET
[h5]Jordan Hill | Rockets [/h5]
Rookie Jordan Hill has been stuck to the bench since he was acquired from New York, but Rockets head coach Rick Adelman says there are no plans to send him to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
"We haven't really talked about that," Adelman told the Houston Chronicle. "We wanted to see him up here and with the team and practicing. Right now, I wouldn't consider that."
http://[h3]NYC has nothing to prove to LeBron?[/h3]
10:25AM ET
[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers [/h5]
The Knicks play the Cavaliers tonight for the last time this season. Of course the New York media wants to discuss LeBron James and what his decision will be this summer. Tracy McGrady chimed in on the topic and says he doesn't think the Knicks need to prove to James that New York is a worthy destination.
"Do I buy into it? No," McGrady told the New York Post. "Nobody knows what LeBron James is going to do but LeBron James. No. We can't control that. We have no control over that. The Knicks did what they had to do to try to make this franchise better, and that's clear some cap space to bring some players in here to turn this franchise around."
McGrady would like to come back and he's willing to recruit James, although he doesn't know if the Knicks will re-sign him.
"I would like to play with a lot of those guys that are going to be a free agent," McGrady said. "And I'm sure this is a very attractive place to play. You have the bright lights, big stage every night. You've got the most passionate fans in basketball. And this is the mecca of basketball. This is it. So very attractive place, and I'm sure a lot of guys will definitely consider that."
http://[h3]Rockets still betting on Yao[/h3]
10:22AM ET
[h5]Yao Ming | Rockets [/h5]
The Rockets had a major makeover at the trade deadline and will be active when free agency starts in July, but Houston's success still lies with Yao Ming.
"We have to bet on Yao," general manager Daryl Morey tells the Houston Chronicle. "There's no other way to go at this point."
Morey is confident Yao will make a full recovery from surgery on his left foot and return next season.
"He's definitely going to get back on the floor," Morey said. "We feel confident about that. It may be the end of the season before we really know what he's capable of."
Morey's goal is to bring in a top free agent, or draft an impact player and sign a lesser free agent.
http://[h3]No buyout for Battie[/h3]
9:46AM ET
[h5]Tony Battie | Nets [/h5]
Players must be waived today say they can be eligible to play in the playoffs. President Rod Thorn doesn't think a buyout will be reached with any of the Nets. Tony Battie is one player who has heard nothing about a potential buyout so far.
"Either way, I'll be happy," Battie told the New York Post. "I always pride myself on being professional. I'm a Net and I owe them my best. It's a little weird looking at leaving money on the table."
According to The Record, Battie will remain with the Nets because, "it's doubtful Battie would take less than what he's owed."
http://[h3]Nuggets talk too much[/h3]
9:24AM ET
[h5]Pau Gasol | Lakers [/h5]
The Nuggets don't fear the Lakers and had been up 2-0 in the season series before losing in Los Angeles on Sunday. Lakers forward Pau Gasol admitted after the game that the Nuggets constant chatter motivated him.
"They talk too much," Gasol told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "Way too much. I don't listen to things that don't make sense. I'm a player that likes to play and that's how I talk, by me playing. Other players can't do that."
Gasol also said the Lakers don't like the Nuggets and that's a good thing.
"I love that we don't like the team in particular," Gasol said. "I wish we didn't like any teams for that matter."
http://[h3]Schedule irks Cuban[/h3]
9:13AM ET
[h5]Dallas Mavericks [/h5]
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban always speaks his mind when he thinks his team is getting the short end of the stick. Cuban was upset yesterday because the team played last night and then had to travel to Charlotte where they'll play the Bobcats tonight.
According to Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com, Cuban went on his Twitter page to rant about the schedule.
"Thx to NBA sked maker for giving us about 3 hrs sleep before tomorrow's game," wrote Cuban.
http://[h3]Arison 95 percent sure Wade will return[/h3]
9:02AM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat [/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1987Dwyane Wade can leave Miami this summer as a free agent. Heat owner Micky Arison is sure, almost, that Wade will re-sign with the team.
"The bottom line is he has publicly and privately said that this is where he wants to be," Arison told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Saturday. "I believe him. I'm 95 percent sure that he would be here next year. You can never be 100."
Heat teammate Jermaine O'Neal doesn't know what Wade will do, but does say Wade is frustrated this season.
"I can't speak for him or his future, but he's frustrated. We all are," O'Neal told FanHouse Sunday. "I believe he loves Miami, but he'll do whatever he feels is best for his career, to give himself the best opportunity to win another championship. Dwyane wants to win, and he wants to win in a major way. A lot of guys, after they've won a championship, they kind of relax. We've talked about this a few times, and he wants to win another one. He knows what it will take to win another one. And losing wears on him. I respect that."
http://[h3]Songaila ready to play[/h3]
8:28AM ET
[h5]Darius Songaila | Hornets [/h5]
Hornets power forward Darius Songaila has been sidelined since Feb. 17 with a sprained right ankle. He should return to the lineup tonight, or Wednesday at the latest.
"It feels good; we'll see how it feels tomorrow, but Wednesday for sure," Songaila told The Times-Picayune. "I've had ankle sprains before, but never one this bad. How far along am I? I'm going to feel it for the rest of the season, so it's hard to give you a percentage of where it is.
"I'll play Wednesday for sure. That's only three days away. You can kind of get an idea from that. I don't want to say yes or no (to tonight). But Wednesday will be two weeks exactly from when it happened. We were shooting for two weeks rehab. I think we're right there."
http://[h3]Iverson coming back?[/h3]
6:25AM ET
[h5]Allen Iverson | 76ers [/h5]
Allen Iverson left the team last week to be with his 4-year-old daughter, who is suffering an undisclosed illness. The 76ers are still unsure if he'll come back to the team this season.
"I'm sure we will have some discussions in the next day or two about it," head coach Eddie Jordan told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Maybe I will talk to (general manager) Ed Stefanski a little bit today and certainly tomorrow while we are in the office."
Stefanski has talked with Iverson, the player's business manager, and Leon Rose, Iverson's agent. "I have no gut feeling at all" on whether Iverson will return, Jordan said.
Asked if he expects Iverson to return, Andre Iguodala responded, "I don't know."
[/h3][h3]Howard's future[/h3]
11:56AM ET
[h5]Josh Howard | Wizards [/h5]
When the Wizards received Josh Howard back in the trade that sent Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to the Mavericks, it appeared to be a cost-cutting move.
After all, Howard has a team option for $11.8 million next season, and one reason the Mavericks were dangling him in trades is because he's essentially an expiring contract. If a team declines the option, Howard becomes a free agent.
Now that he's out for the rest of the season with a torn left ACL and there have been rumblings about some of his off-court immaturity, Howard likely won't be getting $11.8 million in the open market this summer, and he may struggle to find a home because of his now history of knee problems and demeanor.
Yet, Howard is only 29 years old and still has scoring value. And as ESPN's Marc Stein notes, there's a chance the Wiz would decline his option, but still look to re-sign him for a lower number this offseason.
[h5]Marc Stein[/h5]
Wiz could re-sign Howard for less, save money for 2011
http://[h3]Why LeBron could be a Laker[/h3]
11:23AM ET
[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers [/h5]
We told you last week that Phil Jackson's future -- whether he re-ups with L.A. this summer or heads elsewhere -- could have an effect on whether or not Kobe Bryant gets out of his contract and tests the free-agent waters this summer.
We also noted that if Jackson were to stay in L.A. but instead coach the Clippers -- a team that will be looking for a new coach next season -- it could be enough to convince LeBron James to come play the 3 for the Clips.
But what about if Jackson were to stay with the Lakers? LeBron couldn't possibly go there, could he?
Well, maybe.
According to Roland Lazenby of HoopsHype, James "is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers. He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation."
Lazenby also notes: "Mainly, he wants to wear a championship ring, which means he wants to play for Lakers coach Phil Jackson."
Lazenby also cites a source that says Jackson loves LeBron.
Obviously, there are several complicating factors here: to bring on James, the Lakers would have to free up a good chunk of their payroll, and one would assume Kobe would need to sign off on such a potential move. That is, of course, if he opts to stay with the team beyond this year. But some sort of a sign-and-trade isn't out of the realm of possibility here.
Yet, if LeBron wants to play for Jackson, and Jackson apparently loves LeBron, the Lakers aren't the only team they could team up on.
We already mentioned the Clippers.But the Nets are looking for a new coach and are hoping to make a big-name splash, Vinny Del Negro's job in Chicago still isn't rock solid and the Knicks could also unload Mike D'Antoni in favor of Jackson, if they knew it meant landing James.
http://[h3]New name for Charlotte?[/h3]
11:03AM ET
[h5]Charlotte Bobcats [/h5]
A group headed by Michael Jordan will take control of the Charlotte Bobcats if approved by the NBA owners. The Charlotte Observer reports Jordan made a "huge personal financial commitment" to help make the deal happen.
Now that Charlotte is getting a new owner, Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer wonders if the team should get a new nickname.
Bonnell writes: "If Michael Jordan listens to his customers, and potential customers, he'll seriously consider a name change from 'Bobcats' once his purchase of Charlotte's NBA franchise is complete. Too many of you have emailed me with that suggestion not to think it's an issue to many Charlotteans. You didn't like Bob Johnson naming the team after himself, and you sure don't see this as a positive once Johnson is no longer majority owner. This wouldn't be cheap. I spoke with an NBA executive who estimated it would cost the franchise anywhere from $3 million to $10 million to rebrand the team."
http://[h3]Ilgauskas still undecided?[/h3]
11:00AM ET
[h5]Zydrunas Ilgauskas | Wizards [/h5]
[h5]Ilgauskas' suitors[/h5]
- Atlanta. The Hawks would like Ilgauskas if he doesn't go back to the Cavs.
- Utah. The Jazz are rumored to be in the market for Z.
- Dallas. The Mavs hoped to have a shot at Kurt Thomas, but he won't be bought out. As such, their sights could now be set on Big Z.
- Denver. The Nuggets were looking for size at the deadline, but didn't trade for it.
- Cleveland. They'll likely get Big Z back after he's bought out by the Wizards.
There were reports over the weekend that center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has made up his mind and will re-sign with Cleveland later this month, but his agent says that's not true and called them "very premature." The agent also said the Atlanta Hawks are still in contention to sign his client.
"It's absolutely not true," Herb Rudoy told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday. "Could it happen? Absolutely. But he has not made a decision. That will be at least a few more days from now if not more."
"We haven't gotten past this whole thing of being traded away," Rudoy added. "That was sort of expected but it didn't make him happy. He's got a lot of years invested in Cleveland, and that makes it a very complicated decision for him."
Nuggets head coach George Karl spoke with Ilgauskas on Sunday and hopes the center comes West.
"I'm not giving up on that," Karl told The Denver Post. "I think he should come out to Denver and hang out."
The newspaper reports vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien sent text messages to Rudoy during the Nuggets-Lakers game on Sunday.
For Z, it's Cleveland
http://[h3]The Cavs without Shaq[/h3]
10:58AM ET
[h5]Shaquille O'Neal | Cavaliers [/h5]
Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal will had surgery on his sprained right thumb this morning in Baltimore. According to Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, it was successful, and the team says Shaq will miss eight weeks -- which means he's done for the regular season, and could miss some of the early playoffs.
Head coach Mike Brown acknowledged Sunday how much the Cavaliers will miss O'Neal.
"There have been plenty of games that he's played for us where without him, we probably wouldn't have won," Brown told The Plain Dealer. "He has had an impact against the Lakers. He has had an impact against Orlando. He has had an impact against a lot of teams, especially when Mo Williams was out and Delonte [West] was out. We won 13 in a row and he was a big part of it. He allowed us to still be able to score buckets easily in the halfcourt."
Since the first of the year, Shaq has been putting up better scoring numbers -- averaging 14.0 a game in January, and 13.6 this month -- and with Antawn Jamison spreading the defense, he was likely to get less-defended looks inside.
But Shaq's defense is the real reason he was brought to Cleveland. So without him, who steps up? Well, expect Anderson Varejao, who has gotten lots of praise this season for his pick-and-roll defense, not one of Shaq's strengths, to step up.
J.J. Hickson, who has had a breakout season but has started to see less time in the rotation because of Jamsion's arrival, will also be called upon.
The return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas could also help up front.
As long as Shaq is back by the playoffs to defend the likes of Dwight Howard, the Cavs should still be in good position to win the East.
http://[h3]Jefferson sorry, suspended[/h3]
10:52AM ET
[h5]Al Jefferson | Timberwolves [/h5]
Timberwolves forward http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2389Al Jefferson was arrested Sunday morning for allegedly driving drunk. Later in the day the team suspended him for the next two games. The Pioneer Press printed a statement from Jefferson on the incident.
"I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night. I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself. I will learn from my mistake so that it does not happen again. I fully understand and support the organization's disciplinary action. I will continue to work both on and off the court to be the best person I can be."
Jefferson has been suspended for two games. Kevin Love will shoulder more of the load in the frontcourt for the Wolves, while Ryan Hollins may get some more run as well.
http://[h3]Hill won't be sent down[/h3]
10:37AM ET
[h5]Jordan Hill | Rockets [/h5]
Rookie Jordan Hill has been stuck to the bench since he was acquired from New York, but Rockets head coach Rick Adelman says there are no plans to send him to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
"We haven't really talked about that," Adelman told the Houston Chronicle. "We wanted to see him up here and with the team and practicing. Right now, I wouldn't consider that."
http://[h3]NYC has nothing to prove to LeBron?[/h3]
10:25AM ET
[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers [/h5]
The Knicks play the Cavaliers tonight for the last time this season. Of course the New York media wants to discuss LeBron James and what his decision will be this summer. Tracy McGrady chimed in on the topic and says he doesn't think the Knicks need to prove to James that New York is a worthy destination.
"Do I buy into it? No," McGrady told the New York Post. "Nobody knows what LeBron James is going to do but LeBron James. No. We can't control that. We have no control over that. The Knicks did what they had to do to try to make this franchise better, and that's clear some cap space to bring some players in here to turn this franchise around."
McGrady would like to come back and he's willing to recruit James, although he doesn't know if the Knicks will re-sign him.
"I would like to play with a lot of those guys that are going to be a free agent," McGrady said. "And I'm sure this is a very attractive place to play. You have the bright lights, big stage every night. You've got the most passionate fans in basketball. And this is the mecca of basketball. This is it. So very attractive place, and I'm sure a lot of guys will definitely consider that."
http://[h3]Rockets still betting on Yao[/h3]
10:22AM ET
[h5]Yao Ming | Rockets [/h5]
The Rockets had a major makeover at the trade deadline and will be active when free agency starts in July, but Houston's success still lies with Yao Ming.
"We have to bet on Yao," general manager Daryl Morey tells the Houston Chronicle. "There's no other way to go at this point."
Morey is confident Yao will make a full recovery from surgery on his left foot and return next season.
"He's definitely going to get back on the floor," Morey said. "We feel confident about that. It may be the end of the season before we really know what he's capable of."
Morey's goal is to bring in a top free agent, or draft an impact player and sign a lesser free agent.
http://[h3]No buyout for Battie[/h3]
9:46AM ET
[h5]Tony Battie | Nets [/h5]
Players must be waived today say they can be eligible to play in the playoffs. President Rod Thorn doesn't think a buyout will be reached with any of the Nets. Tony Battie is one player who has heard nothing about a potential buyout so far.
"Either way, I'll be happy," Battie told the New York Post. "I always pride myself on being professional. I'm a Net and I owe them my best. It's a little weird looking at leaving money on the table."
According to The Record, Battie will remain with the Nets because, "it's doubtful Battie would take less than what he's owed."
http://[h3]Nuggets talk too much[/h3]
9:24AM ET
[h5]Pau Gasol | Lakers [/h5]
The Nuggets don't fear the Lakers and had been up 2-0 in the season series before losing in Los Angeles on Sunday. Lakers forward Pau Gasol admitted after the game that the Nuggets constant chatter motivated him.
"They talk too much," Gasol told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "Way too much. I don't listen to things that don't make sense. I'm a player that likes to play and that's how I talk, by me playing. Other players can't do that."
Gasol also said the Lakers don't like the Nuggets and that's a good thing.
"I love that we don't like the team in particular," Gasol said. "I wish we didn't like any teams for that matter."
http://[h3]Schedule irks Cuban[/h3]
9:13AM ET
[h5]Dallas Mavericks [/h5]
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban always speaks his mind when he thinks his team is getting the short end of the stick. Cuban was upset yesterday because the team played last night and then had to travel to Charlotte where they'll play the Bobcats tonight.
According to Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com, Cuban went on his Twitter page to rant about the schedule.
"Thx to NBA sked maker for giving us about 3 hrs sleep before tomorrow's game," wrote Cuban.
http://[h3]Arison 95 percent sure Wade will return[/h3]
9:02AM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat [/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1987Dwyane Wade can leave Miami this summer as a free agent. Heat owner Micky Arison is sure, almost, that Wade will re-sign with the team.
"The bottom line is he has publicly and privately said that this is where he wants to be," Arison told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Saturday. "I believe him. I'm 95 percent sure that he would be here next year. You can never be 100."
Heat teammate Jermaine O'Neal doesn't know what Wade will do, but does say Wade is frustrated this season.
"I can't speak for him or his future, but he's frustrated. We all are," O'Neal told FanHouse Sunday. "I believe he loves Miami, but he'll do whatever he feels is best for his career, to give himself the best opportunity to win another championship. Dwyane wants to win, and he wants to win in a major way. A lot of guys, after they've won a championship, they kind of relax. We've talked about this a few times, and he wants to win another one. He knows what it will take to win another one. And losing wears on him. I respect that."
http://[h3]Songaila ready to play[/h3]
8:28AM ET
[h5]Darius Songaila | Hornets [/h5]
Hornets power forward Darius Songaila has been sidelined since Feb. 17 with a sprained right ankle. He should return to the lineup tonight, or Wednesday at the latest.
"It feels good; we'll see how it feels tomorrow, but Wednesday for sure," Songaila told The Times-Picayune. "I've had ankle sprains before, but never one this bad. How far along am I? I'm going to feel it for the rest of the season, so it's hard to give you a percentage of where it is.
"I'll play Wednesday for sure. That's only three days away. You can kind of get an idea from that. I don't want to say yes or no (to tonight). But Wednesday will be two weeks exactly from when it happened. We were shooting for two weeks rehab. I think we're right there."
http://[h3]Iverson coming back?[/h3]
6:25AM ET
[h5]Allen Iverson | 76ers [/h5]
Allen Iverson left the team last week to be with his 4-year-old daughter, who is suffering an undisclosed illness. The 76ers are still unsure if he'll come back to the team this season.
"I'm sure we will have some discussions in the next day or two about it," head coach Eddie Jordan told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Maybe I will talk to (general manager) Ed Stefanski a little bit today and certainly tomorrow while we are in the office."
Stefanski has talked with Iverson, the player's business manager, and Leon Rose, Iverson's agent. "I have no gut feeling at all" on whether Iverson will return, Jordan said.
Asked if he expects Iverson to return, Andre Iguodala responded, "I don't know."
