Series tied, Lakers need Odom now

Aching knee of Bynum puts more burden on shaky forward

BOSTON — Was Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom's 19-point, 19-rebound performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals just a random bit of luck, as Phoenix Suns All-Star power forward Amare Stoudemire insisted after Odom outplayed him in May?

After watching Boston's Glen “Big Baby” Davis go over, around and through Odom to score nine of his 18 points in the fourth quarter of the Celtics' 96-89 win in Game 4 of the 2010 NBA Finals, even Lakers coach Phil Jackson wondered if Stoudemire's assertion might have been on the money.

Odom has become more of a focal point for the Lakers in a best-of-seven series knotted at 2. With center Andrew Bynum's availability questionable for Sunday's pivotal Game 5 because of ongoing soreness in his right knee, Odom must give the Lakers more than he has through the first four games. For the series he's averaging only 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in slightly more than 25 minutes per game.

Jackson is open to any and all suggestions about getting his 7-0 enigma clicking.

“I was thinking of an electrode,” he said with an evil grin, eliciting laughter from reporters. “Something that would really be a stimulus.”

Odom's unfocused play Thursday and his relatively meek performance throughout the first four games of the season's ultimate series is no joke, and Jackson knows it.

“He looked uncomfortable (in Game 4), and he got a couple double whammies go against him — (Kevin) Garnett out there for a while and then he had Davis coming at him,” Jackson said. “And things kind of snowballed on him.

“We're trying to get him through the offense and into various spots. But he still has a guard role out there, so his responsibility is to actually bring the ball up and initiate the offense.

“That gives us kind of an unusual attack and gets Kobe (Bryant) at the wing, and it's something that, obviously, Boston is quite prepared to try and stop. And the quickness of Davis, who's a rather unusual player in the NBA with his size, I think is affecting Lamar.”

Odom seems reluctant to accept responsibility on his own and says it is up to all of the Lakers to make up for Bynum's injury limitations.

“I'm not going to put it on my shoulders to win or lose the game,” Odom said. “We have to move the ball and become a team, a tighter team.”

Kendrick Perkins spoke about needing "a Derek Fisher stopper."

Kendrick Perkins spoke about needing "a Derek Fisher stopper."

Rivers complains about officiating

BOSTON -- Doc Rivers spent quite a bit of time Wednesday discussing the state of the officiating in the NBA Finals after sending a videotape to the league office documenting what he said were several uncalled offensive fouls against the Los Angeles Lakers. It may have been an off day Wednesday in the L.A.-Boston series, but Rivers was very much on his game when it came to working the refs.

"I think it was a ton of moving screens they got away with," Rivers said the day after the Celtics' 91-84 loss to the Lakers in Game 3 put the Celtics behind 2-1 in the best-of-se series. "As far as off-the-ball action ... you are not allowed to hold, you are not allowed to bump, and you are not allowed to impede progress. I read that this morning, and I'm positive of it. So, you know, when that happens it has to be called."

Rivers said he had sent a tape to the league office documenting several instances in which the Lakers were not called for moving screen violations, a type of offensive foul. By his count, the Celtics were called for one such violation and the Lakers none.

Rivers also commented on the general state of officiating in the NBA and how it differs from when he was a player. Although it did not appear as though he had said anything egregious enough to merit a fine from the league office, commissioner David Stern will have the final say on that matter -- and Stern has shown less tolerance than in past years for coaches working the refs in between games.

Rivers also continued to sound incredulous that Lakers coach Phil Jackson had complained about the foul calls against Kobe Bryant in Game 2 (Jackson called them "unusual fouls") when Bryant racked up five personals, noting that foul trouble had impacted his own team much more than it had the Lakers.

"I think he [Phil Jackson] is good, I think we're all pretty good at it," Rivers said. "But listen, if Phil Jackson says something the day before and it happens, I hope that has nothing to do with the officials."

In Game 3, Paul Pierce was limited to 34 minutes because of foul trouble. In Game 2 it was Kevin Garnett who spent more than half the game watching from the bench because of fouls, and in Game 1 Ray Allen was the recipient of at least two questionable foul calls that limited him to 27 minutes.

"It's huge," Rivers said. "We've had all three games where one of our quote-unquote Big Three has not been able to play.

"Last night, Paul was never in his rhythm. He couldn't be. He played for four minutes, he was back on the bench, played for five minutes. I mean, I played Paul at times last night when I should not have had him on the floor with four fouls, but I had no choice. You've got to get him on the floor at some point.

"But it clearly -- you know, we watched film today, and I showed Paul, it's funny. I said 'Paul, that's a driving lane. You've got to get to the basket.' His response was: 'I was worried about getting another foul.' It's tough to play that way." Through three games, the Celtics have been whistled for 84 personal fouls to the Lakers' 75. Pierce and Kevin Garnett have been whistled for 13 fouls apiece, while Lamar Odom of the Lakers leads all players with 14 personals. Odom has played an average of just 21 minutes per game after averaging nearly 30 minutes over the first three rounds of the postseason.

The Lakers have attempted 96 free throws in the three games to Boston's 86, and there has generally been an inordinate amount of conversation over the past six days regarding the quality of the refereeing.

"When I played, it was just two officials, so that was awhile ago," Rivers said. "And I also thought back then it was more they just called the game, what they saw. Now, it's much more technical and in some ways better, and in some ways not, because officials won't call something that's not in their area, if you know what I mean, even if they see it at times.

"But it's tough. I think the game is more athletic, the game is faster, and it's brutal. We're hard on them, everybody is hard on them. But it's a difficult game to call," Rivers said. "I think what we all want is just consistency. It's tough to get that, but I think that's what everybody wants."

Behind-the-Scenes: Wednesday in Boston

Go behind-the-scenes of Wednesday's practice session in Boston.

Avery Johnson agrees to coach Nets

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Avery Johnson says he has agreed to become the coach of the New Jersey Nets, the NBA's worst team.

In a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Johnson said he thinks the Nets will announce the deal Thursday.

Nets president and general manager Rod Thorn did not immediately respond when asked to comment on Johnson's text. In an earlier e-mail to the AP, he said he "will have something to say" Thursday.

The current ESPN analyst coached Dallas for three-plus seasons, going 194-70 in the regular season and 23-24 in the playoffs. He guided the Mavs to the NBA finals in 2006, but was fired after a first-round playoff series loss to New Orleans in 2008.

Johnson will take over a team that posted a league worst 12-70 record and set a league-record opening the season with 18 straight losses.

The miserable start led to the firing of coach Lawrence Frank after 16 games. Outgoing general manager Kiki Vandeweghe served as the interim coach for the majority of the franchise's worst season and only the fifth 70-loss season in NBA history.

The Nets threatened to break the Philadelphia 76ers' league record for fewest wins in a season — nine — until a late run got them over the hump. The 76ers set the record in 1972-73.

Johnson is a proven winner, and his arrival in New Jersey will reunite him with point guard Devin Harris, who was shipped to New Jersey in the deal that sent Jason Kidd to the Mavericks.

The Nets also have a young talented center in Brook Lopez, two guards with tons of potential, Terrence Williams and Courtney Lee, and high hopes for Chinese Olympian Yi Jianlian.

New Jersey also has the third pick in this month's draft.

Johnson should also benefit working with new Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The Russian billionaire has said he will open his wallet in free agency, and the Nets have more than $23 million to spend on a talent pool that might include LeBron James.

Johnson, who met with Thorn early in the coaching search, emerged as the leading contender after former Knicks and Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy turned down overtures from Thorn and Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau opted to take the Chicago Bulls' head coaching job.

The Nets will be moving to the Prudential Center in Newark for the next two years before permanently moving to their new arena, the Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 2012. — AP

Amare to opt out of deal

GILBERT, Ariz. (AP) -- Amare Stoudemire says he will opt out of the final year of his contract if he doesn't re-sign with the Phoenix Suns before then.

Stoudemire, speaking at his basketball camp Tuesday, said he deserves a maximum contract and would like it to be with Phoenix, where he has played since he was drafted out of high school in 2002.

The All-Star power forward said there was "no chance" he would exercise the final year of his contract with the Suns, which would pay him about $17 million.

Instead, he wants the biggest contract the NBA allows. Phoenix could give him more than any other team -- a six-year deal worth somewhere around $127 million.

SOURCE: SI.COM

Kobe, Fisher help Lakers top Celts, take 2-1 lead

BOSTON (AP) -- Kobe Bryant scored 29 points and Derek Fisher added 16 to lead Los Angeles to a 91-84 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night and give the Lakers a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals.

Bryant had 25 points after three but did not score for the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter. That's when Fisher took over, adding four key baskets after Boston winnowed a 17-point first-half lead to one point.

The Lakers regained home-court advantage they had lost when Boston took Game 2 in Los Angeles.

Game 4 is Thursday night in Boston.

Kevin Garnett, who had just six points in Boston's victory Sunday, had 25 in Game 3. But Ray Allen, who had 32 points in Game 2, missed all 13 field goal attempts - one shy of the NBA finals futility record.

Rondo's triple-double, Allen's firepower spark Celtics' victory

LOS ANGELES —Once more, Rajon Rondo swooped in to save the Celtics.

This time, maybe he saved their season.

Rondo had his fifth postseason triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Celtics to a 103-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night that evened the NBA finals at one game apiece.

With Ray Allen stalled and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett having never gotten started, it was Rondo who carried the Celtics down the stretch, just as he has so often in his breakout postseason.

“He just did a lot of things, the blocked shots, the steals," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s our quarterback, and he does a lot of stuff for us. He was special tonight."

Rondo made the go-ahead basket with 3:21 remaining, reacting quickly to a loose ball after Kendrick Perkins’ shot was blocked and putting it in to make it 91-90. He blocked Derek Fisher’s shot shortly after, then knocked down a huge jumper that extended the lead to 95-90 with 1:50 to play.

Allen powered the Celtics with seven 3-pointers and 27 points in the first half, but it appeared that would be wasted when he cooled off in the second half. Boston was getting nothing from its other big stars, as Pierce shot only 2 of 11 for 10 points and Garnett battled foul trouble and scored only six.

But Rondo, who’s become the Celtics’ most important player even though he’s still not their biggest name, came through when offense wasn’t coming from anywhere else.

“I think it starts with my energy level, picking up the ball full court," Rondo said. “And then when I get the ball on the offensive end, just trying to push the ball and push the tempo and getting guys easy looks on the floor."

He had a pair of buckets midway through the fourth quarter to keep the Celtics within a possession, then later put them back on top for good and headed back to Boston with momentum.

While not as spectacular as his 29-point, 18-rebound, 13-assist effort in Game 4 of the second-round series against Cleveland, the circumstances were similar. The Celtics had been blown out in the previous game and knew they needed to get their transition game going again.

That starts with Rondo, and he usually starts it himself by going to get the defensive rebound and quickly pushing the ball up the floor. Only Larry Bird, with 10, has more postseason triple-doubles among Celtics players.

“Rondo controlled the game and got to a lot of balls," Lakers forward Pau Gasol(notes) said. “He was the top rebounder of the game as the point guard, so that tells you something."

The quick tempo helped get Allen going in the first half, as Rondo was able to find him on the break for some open looks from behind the arc. And it contributed to getting Kobe Bryant(notes) in foul trouble.

Rondo drew a fourth foul on Bryant in the third quarter when he swiped the ball from the Lakers’ star, who then knocked Rondo out of bounds.

Rondo hadn’t been as sharp recently as he was in the second-round stunner, battling a sore lower back after some hard falls in the Orlando series. But he played 42 minutes Sunday and appeared in good shape.

Suddenly, so do the Celtics.

“Anything I can do to help the team win is big," Rondo said. “I take pride in my game and how I play the game." - AP

Celtics' Thibodeau to become Bulls new coach

CHICAGO (AP) -- Tom Thibodeau, the defensive mastermind who helped the Boston Celtics reach the NBA finals for the second time in three years as an assistant, is the Chicago Bulls' new head coach, a person familiar with the situation said.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the hiring has not been announced. Thibodeau's deal is worth approximately $6.5 million, with two years guaranteed plus a team option, and he will continue to assist the Celtics through the NBA finals.

Several outlets reported Saturday afternoon that Thibodeau was leaving Boston for Chicago.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers would not confirm the reports before Boston practiced the day before Game 2 of the series against Los Angeles, but both he and his players agreed that Thibodeau would be a good choice.

"I hope it's true, but we're not going to comment on it, I can tell you that," Rivers said. "We're focused on the NBA finals. There's two teams. There's the Lakers and the Celtics, and that's what we're going to keep the focus on.

"But on Tom, he deserves the job. I think he's the best candidate out there. I've said that for three years now. So let's hope it's true."

Bulls officials declined comment. The team and the NBA agreed to wait until after the finals are over to make the hiring official.

"We do not have any rules that prohibit a team from announcing a coaching hire during the finals," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. "In the Bulls case, because they have no plans to consummate any deal before the end of the finals, we agreed that they should defer any announcement to the conclusion of the finals."

Thibodeau, an NBA assistant for 18 seasons with seven different teams, was also a candidate for jobs in New Orleans and New Jersey.

The longtime assistant was the architect of the defense that contained Kobe Bryant when the Celtics beat the Lakers for the title two years ago, and the one that helped them knock off LeBron James and Cleveland during a surprising run to these finals.

"Thibs brings a passion for defense, I think," Kevin Garnett said. "When you think of Tom Thibodeau and what's his strengths, he's obviously a defense guy. He watches an uncountable amount of film. He's a worker. He's a guy that loves his job. He does it with passion. If he is not with us next year, he's well deserving of it, as well as anybody else on our coaching staff."

Thibodeau joins a team that boasts one of the best young point guards in All-Star Derrick Rose and is armed with enough salary-cap room to offer a maximum contract in a star-studded free agent summer that could include James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson. The person said those were two big draws, as was Chicago's front office.

Bulls general manager Gar Forman and executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson reportedly flew to Los Angeles on Wednesday on the eve of Game 1 of the finals and came away impressed.

Thibodeau replaces Vinny Del Negro, who was fired last month after leading Chicago to 41 wins and the playoffs in both of his seasons. He also had an altercation with Paxson late in this season.

With no coaching experience, Del Negro was a fallback choice when he was hired out of Phoenix's front office after high-profile negotiations with Mike D'Antoni and Doug Collins fell through.

That widely expected move was the first in the most important offseason in years for the Bulls. Hiring Thibodeau is another big step, with the free agency period starting July 1. He is represented by Creative Artists Agency, the same umbrella organization that includes James' agent Leon Rose.

When the Bulls let Del Negro go, Forman said free agency would play at least a small role in the hiring, although he added: "As we start this search, I don't want it to be about that. I want it to be about finding the best coach to fit this personnel."

He also indicated they were looking for an experienced head coach, although they weren't ruling out assistants or college head coaches. Thibodeau's only other head coaching job came in 1984, when he spent a year at his alma mater Salem State College in Massachusetts after getting promoted from assistant. He then spent four years as an assistant at Harvard before moving to the NBA.

TV ratings up 17 percent for Game 1

NEW YORK -- The opener of the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals matched the teams' meeting two years ago for the highest preliminary rating for a Game 1 since 2004.

Los Angeles' 102-89 win Thursday night on ABC earned a 10.4 overnight rating, up 17 percent from the 8.9 for last year's Magic-Lakers series.

Ratings measure the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into a program. Overnight ratings represent the country's largest markets.

Danny Ferry resigns as GM of Cleveland Cavaliers

CLEVELAND – Danny Ferry didn't agree with the decision to fire Cleveland's coach. He knew re-signing superstar free agent LeBron James would be difficult. He felt his authority as general manager was being reduced by an owner with a different vision.

The Cavaliers are changing.

Ferry decided to let them — without him.

He resigned as Cleveland's general manager after five seasons on Friday, a stunning development for a team seemingly in turmoil during the most important offseason in team history, the Summer of LeBron.

Ferry's departure came two weeks after owner Dan Gilbert fired coach Mike Brown following the Cavs' disappointing second-round loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. It also came as the team is making plans to try and bring back James, the two-time MVP and biggest name in a free-agent class like none before.

Ferry, whose contract was set to expire June 30, decided to leave after talks with Gilbert revealed they had differing ideas on the Cavs' direction.

"It's the right time to move on," Ferry said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

But the timing and suddenness of Ferry's departure — as well as Brown's dismissal despite winning 143 games the past two seasons — seem to point to a franchise in disarray.

Gilbert, however, claims the Cavaliers are as strong as ever and said the loss of Brown and Ferry won't derail his goal of bringing a championship to Cleveland, which hasn't celebrated a pro sports title in 46 years.

"You've got to be willing to take some risks, calculated ones, and make changes when they're necessary," Gilbert said.

Ferry said the decision not to renew his contract was a mutual one with Gilbert.

"I thought it was important that there was as much clarity as possible in the organization at this time, so things could start moving forward," Ferry said. "It's important that whomever is hired as the head coach knows and understands the people he is going to work with."

Assistant GM Chris Grant will take over for Ferry, who played in Cleveland for 10 years and became the club's GM in 2005, shortly after Gilbert hired Brown.

It was assumed Ferry would remain with Cleveland, leading the organization's attempt to retain James. Ferry had been deeply involved in the preliminary search for a new coach and preparing for July's opening of free agency. He and Gilbert had a strong relationship, but it seemed to fray following the Cavs' season and may have pulled completely apart in their differences over Brown.

Ferry led the Cavs through the most successful period in their history, peaking with the club's first finals appearance in 2007. But despite winning 127 regular-season games and having the league's best record the past two seasons, the Cavs fell short of a title, losing to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals last season and to the Celtics last month.

And now, they're on the verge of possibly losing James.

On a conference call, Gilbert said he Ferry both decided to end their run together.

"We mutually concluded it is best to go in different directions," he said. "There are not rights and wrongs in all this."

Gilbert said the organization has been in touch with James and he remains confident the Cavaliers can re-sign the superstar, who has spent seven seasons with Cleveland.

"We feel good about it," Gilbert said. "We feel like we have put the franchise in a great place for LeBron and all our players."

James said in an interview with CNN's Larry King that the Cavs have "an edge" to re-sign him.

Gilbert said the club is moving "very quickly" in its search for a new coach and that ideally he would have one in place by the start of free agency, "but I don't know if that can happen or not." He did not say if the team has interviewed any candidates.

Gilbert will again hire a defensive-oriented coach, pointing to the finals matchup between the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers as further proof that defense wins titles.

"I don't think you can get to the NBA finals without a defensive-focused coach," he said.

Gilbert also and insists any perception the Cavaliers are in turmoil is untrue.

"The franchise is strong and in great shape from a business standpoint," he said, adding that renewals for season tickets and luxury suites were at record levels.

Ferry said the club's strategy to re-sign James will not be affected by his departure, and that Grant is ready to assume GM duties.

"Chris is prepared to do a great job," Ferry said. "This will be a natural transition for him. He's done everything that a GM does at every level."

Grant almost left the Cavs two years ago to take the GM job in Atlanta, where he spent nine seasons working in a variety of roles with the Hawks. Gilbert said Grant served in a partnership with Ferry the past few seasons and is equipped to lead the Cavaliers through "a very unique and unprecedented situation."

Gilbert said Lance Blanks will remain in his role of assistant GM/vice president of basketball operations.

With Gilbert willing to spend millions to win a title, Ferry was able to boost Cleveland's roster around James. He added Mo Williams, Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison without giving up much and got the Cavs to the second round of the playoffs in each of the past five seasons — the only team to do so.

But except for their surprising run to the finals in 2007, the Cavs didn't have enough to win it all.

"There are no hard feelings," Ferry said. "I appreciate all Dan has done to create a world-class organization and I think it's in position to build on a strong foundation and attain the next level." — AP

Tough Lakers beat Boston 102-89 in NBA finals opener

LOS ANGELES – So the Celtics want to play rough again? Kobe Bryant and the Lakers look ready this time around, and they barged into an early lead in the NBA finals.

Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and defending champion Los Angeles got tough in a 102-89 victory over Boston in the NBA finals opener Thursday night.

Ron Artest scored 15 points after tumbling to the ground in a tangle with Paul Pierce in the opening minute of the 12th finals meeting in the NBA's most scintillating rivalry. Bryant and Gasol then led a gritty physical effort against the Celtics, who memorably pushed around the Lakers while winning their 2008 finals matchup in six games.

Pierce scored 24 points and Kevin Garnett added 16 after a slow start for the Celtics, who might not want to know Lakers coach Phil Jackson's teams in Los Angeles and Chicago have won 47 straight playoff series after winning Game 1.

Game 2 is Sunday night at Staples Center.

If the first 48 minutes of the rematch are any indication, this series again will be a knockdown, drag-out physical confrontation — and the supposedly finesse-oriented Lakers held their ground early.

Ray Allen scored 12 points in just 27 minutes, saddled with constant foul trouble while trying to guard Bryant. Pierce also picked up early fouls, while Garnett simply struggled, going 7 for 16 from the field and grabbing just four rebounds — even inexplicably missing an open layup with 5 1/2 minutes to play.

That's mostly because of Gasol, the Spanish 7-footer determined to assert himself after admittedly getting pushed around by Garnett two years ago. Gasol capped a strong game by sprinting downcourt and catching a long pass in stride for a dunk with 6:21 to play.

This one was rough from the opening tumble.

Just 27 seconds in, Artest and Pierce got double technical fouls after crashing to the court back-to-back with elbows locked. The mood didn't improve much in a game featuring 54 fouls, but Bryant's playmaking and the Lakers' inside advantages drove them to a 20-point lead after three quarters before surviving Boston's final run.

Los Angeles outrebounded the Celtics 42-31 and put up a strong shooting percentage until a fourth-quarter slump, again excelling at the their two biggest areas of strength in this postseason.

Andrew Bynum scored 10 points on his injured right knee as the Lakers improved to 9-0 at home in the playoffs, with 12 straight postseason home wins dating to last year's championship run. — AP

Michael Jordan to grace cover of 'NBA 2K11'

For the cover of its pro basketball franchise, publisher 2K Sports has turned to "His Airness."

The publisher has confirmed Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan will appear on the cover of NBA 2K11 when it releases on October 5.

"It's an honor to be featured on the cover of NBA 2K11," Jordan said in a statement. "I have no doubt that NBA 2K11 will be a big hit with gamers and basketball fans alike. I'm looking forward to getting back out onto the court, virtually. Let's hope they get my dunk from the foul line right."

Jordan's appearance in any sports title is a rare occurrence. NBA licensing deals did not include rights to use the Bulls icon's likeness, so many NBA simulations during his playing career often featured a generic player in his place. Among some of the games Jordan appeared in: NES title Jordan vs. Bird: One on One and SNES game Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City.

Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports, says developers have discussed adding Jordan to the game for years, but it wasn't until 2K11 that a partnership came together.

"We're very confident that this year ... will not only be the best basketball game we've ever put out, but the best basketball game that's ever been put out," Argent said in an interview. "When you start thinking about people that can accurately represent that in the game of basketball, the list is short. And, frankly, the greatest basketball player of all time seemed to be the greatest fit."

Argent did not go into detail on how Jordan will be used in NBA 2K11, which usually reflects the upcoming NBA season. However, he did say Jordan will play an "integral part" in the game's variety of options, and offered input into the development of his virtual persona.

Jackson points to Gasol-Garnett as key

LOS ANGELES -- Phil Jackson loves the game within the game. Heading into Thursday's Game 1 of the NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, one piques his curiosity more than the rest.

"I'm intrigued by the [Kevin] Garnett-Pau Gasol matchup. I think that's a really good one," he said Wednesday after the Lakers completed practice.

"Kevin is like the force of [Boston's] defense, he's really the glue that kind of holds their defense together with his activity level, his ability to help and recover on guys," Jackson continued. "Pau is the guy we have to have be a part of the scoring combo with Kobe. So he has to provide some of that for us in this series against probably one of the top defenders in the game."

Gasol's performance was generally seen as disappointing during the 2008 Finals, in which he averaged 14.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in six games, facing primarily Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. Like the rest of his teammates, Gasol had a subpar Game 6, making four field goals and turning the ball over five times in 32 minutes as the Lakers lost 131-92 and Boston clinched the title.

Garnett was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Since, he's struggled with injuries, undergoing surgery to his right knee in May 2009.

Still, he's still a formidable opponent, says Gasol.

"I see a little bit of difference [since the surgery], but he's still very effective and he's still one of their team leaders," he said. "You've got to respect everything that he does and brings to the table. The leadership, the aggressiveness, and he's going to compete no matter what. He's proven that through the injury."

The Celtics got the best of Gasol two seasons ago, but Garnett says the experience makes Gasol a more dangerous player in the sequel.

"Pau's one of the best post players in this game," he said. "He's a lot more experienced now. He has a title under his belt. Anytime you throw experience with a guy, and desire, it makes him overall better."

Garnett is among the more noted trash-talkers in the league, but Gasol says he doesn't hear much when he's on the floor with him.

"I don't feel like he talks that much to me. At an earlier stage [in my career] he did because that's kind of his game to certain guys, that he likes to intimidate you like that verbally or physically. But we'll be ready for whatever," he said."If anything, I try for that to motivate me and actually get me pissed off and really attack him."

For his part, Garnett doesn't know if he's slowed his verbal barrage towards Gasol over the years.

"I don't keep up with who I talk to, the dialogue, or what I'm saying or whatever. Pau and I have had countless battles through the years," he said. "We've both been in the league a while now, and I can't recall none of the conversations that we've had, either good or bad."

Brian Kamenetzky covers the Lakers for ESPNLosAngeles.com and is co-author of the Land O' Lakers blog.

Rondo, Wallace practice Wednesday

LOS ANGELES -- Boston Celtics Rasheed Wallace and Rajon Rondo, both of whom are nursing back injuries, participated fully in Wednesday's practice session, including contact drills, a positive sign as both ramp up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

Wallace, who originally tweaked his back during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against Orlando then left in the fourth quarter of Game 6, had been held out of contact drills earlier in the week, but moved fluidly in the portion of practice open to the media, which included stretching and shooting drills.

Rondo said he'll be near full health by Thursday.

"My body is fine," said Rondo. "These five days have definitely been great for me personally. I know it's great for the team, but for me I've been getting a lot of massages, a lot of treatment. I'm feeling better and better each day. The more time I get, the better I am. [Thursday], I'm sure I'll be back almost at 100 percent."

Elsewhere on the Celtics' injury front, Marquis Daniels (concussion) said he is feeling better, but is still waiting full clearance from trainer Ed Lacerte.

"I'm feeling better, it's progressively getting better each day," said Daniels. "The break helped. I'm just waiting for Ed to give me the sign now. I'm antsy."

Daniels has seen his role decrease throughout the season, but threw his name in the hat to help defend the Lakers' Kobe Bryant.

"Like anyone that likes to compete, you want to go out there and play against one of the best of the game," said Daniels. "I'd like that opportunity."

Answering about Lakers center Andrew Bynum and his injured knee, Celtics coach Doc Rivers summed up injuries at this time of year.

"[Bynum's knee is a] non-factor for us; [it's a] factor for them probably," said Rivers. "We're not going to worry about whether he's healthy or not. Players tend to be healthy once the Finals start no matter what their injury status is, and you know that. We're viewing him as 100 percent and a factor in the series."

Chris Forsberg covers the Celtics for ESPNBoston.com. Follow him on Twitter.

LeBron says Cavs have edge in free agency

CLEVELAND – One month from the start of the NBA's free agency frenzy, LeBron James has handicapped his field of suitors.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the pack.

In his first interview since the Cavs' season ended with a shocking, second-round loss to Boston, James told CNN's Larry King that Cleveland has "an edge" to re-sign him when the greatest collection of free agents in league history hits the open market on July 1.

King, who interviewed James at the two-time MVP's home near Akron on Tuesday, asked the superstar if Cleveland has "an edge going in?"

"Absolutely," James said in a portion of the interview released by the network. "Because, you know, this city, these fans, I mean, have given me a lot in these seven years. And, you know, for me, it's comfortable. So I've got a lot of memories here. And so it does have an edge."

The interview will air Friday on CNN's "Larry King Live," capping the program's 25th anniversary celebration on the network.

Other than his postgame interview, James has not talked to the media since the Cavs were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, who then knocked off Orlando and will meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals starting Thursday.

The 25-year-old James heads a star-studded free agency summer class featuring Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer and others. James has not given any hints about his plans, saying only that he and his "team" of advisers will weigh all the options.

The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets are among a group of teams expected to make a strong push for James.

James has spent all seven seasons as a pro with the Cavs, who offered him a contract extension last year and can give him $30 million more than any other team in a maximum-length deal. Cleveland recently fired coach Mike Brown, who led the team to 143 wins the past two seasons but couldn't get them to the finals either year.

James has kept a low profile since Cleveland's season ended. He has not commented on Brown's firing and he did not speak to reporters when he helped judge an amateur slam dunk contest during a public appearance on Saturday. — AP

Jackson is already talking some ‘smack’

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Did you expect a pre-Finals news conference to pass without Lakers coach Phil Jackson taking a jab at the Celtics? When questioned about potential physical play in the series, Jackson took his first swing.

“We don’t have a smackdown mentality,’’ he said. “You might have seen that with [Kevin] Garnett on [Orlando’s Dwight] Howard in Game 6 in Boston, where he was smacking Howard’s arm and was finally called for an offensive foul. That’s not our kind of team. We don’t go out there to smack people around.

“I call it more resiliency. We’re a more resilient ball club. We try to stay strong and play hard. But we’re going to have to withstand some of that. We’re going to have to play through it. We have some guys who are capable of playing to that style in [Derek] Fisher and Ron [Artest] and obviously Kobe [Bryant]. But our big guys are going to have to stand up because that’s basically what got the Celtics through Orlando.’’

Lamar Odom took a more diplomatic approach.

“[All the series] have been physically demanding, even this last one, all the running we had to do,’’ said Odom. “This one will be physical, if they let us play a little bit.’’

Jackson did show sympathy for Kendrick Perkins, one of the Celtics’ most physical players. The Lakers coach said his team had no desire to frustrate Perkins in an effort to force the center into a technical foul. One more technical and Perkins will earn an automatic one-game suspension.

“I don’t even like to think about those kind of things,’’ said Jackson. “Those things I think should be wiped out. Flagrant fouls. Technical fouls. It just means the longer you’ve been in the playoffs the more penalized you are. It seems like that’s not a really good code right now.’’

History class
Playing the role of professor, Jackson lectured on recent and long-ago NBA history during his afternoon news conference at the Lakers practice facility. He covered the Lakers-Celtics rivalry from 1960 to the present, revisiting the 2008 NBA Finals more than few times. That year, the Celtics clinched the championship with a 39-point victory in Game 6.

“I thought we were a little green when we came into the playoffs in 2008,’’ said Jackson. “As a team, we’d played with Pau [Gasol] for 30 some games, part of the season. We lost [Andrew Bynum] in the course of the season. We were young in a lot of other spots. This team’s mature now and experienced.’’

But losing the 2008 Finals provided a valuable lesson for the Lakers. And the Celtics were the teachers.

“We’re a different team,’’ said Bryant, when pressed for comparisons between the group that lost to the Celtics and the one looking to defend its title. “[The 2008 Finals] really taught us what it takes to win in terms of rebounding, the energy, the intensity you have to play with.’’

Added Odom: “Sometimes it’s crazy how the stars align and bring you to moments in your life. We have a chance to make history.’’

Although Bryant kept his answers brief, Jackson acknowledged the Lakers star may have taken the 2008 Finals loss more personally.

“He devotes so much of his life to this game,’’ said Jackson. “It really does take an inordinate amount of time in his daily life. It’s not a pastime to him. This is a devotion, not just an avocation. When you throw yourself into it as deeply as he does, all those things count a little bit more.’’

Bynum had fluid drained from his right knee yesterday. During the playoff run, he has struggled with a partially torn meniscus that will require surgery after the Finals. Bynum is averaging 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds in 24.2 minutes in the playoffs. “We’re going to need me doing better than I am,’’ he said. “That’s for sure. Going in, I’m aware of that. It will definitely be fun.’’ Added Jackson: “I expect that he’s going to come out and give us some really good minutes. It may not be heavy minutes. I think he’ll give us some good minutes. He’s got some effective things that he’s done against the Celtics during the course of the year.’’ Bynum was still feeling the effects of painkillers yesterday. “It supposedly makes you feel more healthy,’’ said Bynum. “I’ll find that out come practice day.’’ Bynum likely will not practice today . . . When asked what he remembered of the Lakers-Celtics rivalries of the ’80s from his childhood, Odom’s point of reference was a video game. “There was a great basketball game that came out, really in the early ’90s, Sega Genesis, EA Sports,’’ said Odom. “I think it was called ‘Lakers versus Celtics.’ So, this is what it’s all about.’’

Source: Shira Springer can be reached at springer@globe.com.

NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans busted for speeding 100 mph

Perhaps the roar of the Memorial Day weekend's big racing events was contagious for NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans. The Sacramento Kings guard was briefly detained for reckless driving last night after California Highway Patrol officers said they clocked Evans at more than 100 mph.

Evans, no stranger to tense moments on the court, also got to find out what it's like to look into a gun barrel. Because the windows of Evans' Mercedes-Benz S550 were tinted black and officers couldn't see inside that approached with guns drawn, according to the CHP.

The Sacramento Bee reports Evans, 20, was cited for reckless driving and his handcuffs were removed quickly once officers determined there was no threat.

The CHP said Evans wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie told the Bee he and Evans were scheduled to talk today.

Dwyane Wade prepares for NBA recruiting role

Dwyane Wade is going to Chicago.

Relax, Heat fans — the trip is just to start thinking in earnest about his future.

After settling four court cases Tuesday and calling it a "huge relief" to have some of his many legal issues now settled, Wade said he finally can afford a bit of time for himself.

So on Wednesday, he'll be back home in Chicago, for both a reunion with his two young sons and to start thinking about what awaits when the NBA free agency window opens July 1.

"No question, I will be able to, even though I've still got the other things to handle," Wade told The Associated Press. "But I will be able to start focusing on my wish list, focusing on the things I want to do for my future. Even though I've still got other things to worry about, this kind of is a big burden off my shoulders. Now I'm able to go to Chicago and focus on something totally different."

Wade said he'll now start thinking of a "wish list" of players he'd like the Miami Heat to consider signing. He told the AP in April he thinks he and Cleveland's LeBron James — another likely free-agent-to-be — would play well together, and it's nearly a lock that the Heat will take a run at trying to woo James away from the Cavaliers.

Wade has spent his entire seven seasons with the Heat, who could pay him about $30 million US more than any other team. He said Tuesday he hasn't called any other potential free agents yet. He will, and soon.

"I've been having to deal with a lot and do a lot," Wade told the AP. "Now, over the next week or two, I'm able to now sit down and say, 'OK, let me call this guy, let me reach out to this guy.' And I'm looking forward to that."

Besides James, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer and Dirk Nowitzki almost certainly will hear from the Heat — and quite probably Wade — as well, provided they hit the open market July 1.
Personal matters

Settled on Tuesday were suits related to a $25 million breach-of-contract claim over a failed restaurant venture, as well as another dispute over an agreement to license his name for a charter school and an antitrust suit over potential sales of Wade memorabilia. In Chicago, he still has divorce and custody cases pending.

There's also that little matter of free agency. Wade likely will opt out of his contract with the Heat on June 30 and become a free agent at 12:01 a.m. the following day. He wants to stay in Miami, if the Heat upgrade the roster and take big steps toward becoming an NBA championship contender again.

"Nothing's changed. You know me, the person I am. I'm not going to change," Wade told the AP. "The biggest thing is I want to win and I want to make sure that we can do that here in Miami. If we can't, then I've got to think about another decision, think about something I don't want to do. It's the business side of it.

"But at the end of the day, everyone knows, it's not any secret that I want to be in Miami," Wade added. "It's just steps, a lot of steps, have to be taken to get to that point."

The Heat did not comment Tuesday. They're fully aware of Wade's desires -- and president Pat Riley often has said he wants to build a "dynasty" around Wade, who was the MVP of Miami's run to the 2006 NBA title. The Heat haven't won a playoff series since.

Riley cannot contact free agents — other than Miami's own — until July 1.

The NBA also has rules against players tampering with other players, though the league said last week that not only can that not really be regulated, but that it metes out discipline in only "the most egregious" cases. Wade saying he wants to talk with other stars, many of whom are his friends, "do not meet that standard," the NBA said.

So until July 1, meet the unofficial Heat general manager: Dwyane Wade.

He doesn't mind whatsoever.

"I'm preparing myself for the future," Wade said. "So I'm cool with that. You never know what job I might have after basketball. This might prepare me for my future gig."

Lakers hope for finals boost from Artest, Bynum

EL SEGUNDO, California — Andrew Bynum didn't play in the 2008 NBA finals, but he remembers how it all ended. Boston Celtics fans celebrated their clinching victory by throwing rocks and other projectiles at the Los Angeles Lakers' departing bus, also rocking it back and forth.

"I only saw a couple of games, and it was crazy — the energy, the fans," said Bynum, who was out for the season with an injured kneecap. "That bus ride back to the hotel, it wasn't the greatest."

Bynum kept that memory close for the past two years, and so did most of his teammates. Although the Lakers' roster is remarkably similar to the group that lost to Boston two years ago, Bynum sees two big reasons Los Angeles might have a better shot this time.

Ron Artest and Bynum said Monday they hope to play major defensive roles in the Lakers' NBA finals rematch with the Celtics, starting Thursday night at Staples Center. Artest is the Lakers' only newcomer this season, while Bynum has postponed surgery on his right knee to participate in the Lakers' playoff run.

Unlike Kobe Bryant, who professes no special interest in a Celtics rematch, Bynum is thrilled this run is ending with Boston.

"It's a great opportunity for us to get one back," Bynum said. "You never want to let something like that sit. I know it means a great deal (historically), but I'm more concerned about my own history."

The Lakers stayed off the court at their training complex Monday, watching film and absorbing coach Phil Jackson's first volley of instruction. Artest's preparation doesn't include much education on the history of this matchup — only a refresher tutorial on the offensive habits of Paul Pierce and the Celtics' forwards.

"I'm not a student," Artest said. "I just love the game. I'm not really familiar with the rivalry. I'm sure there's a lot of history, but I can't really tell you any details about it."

Artest replaced Trevor Ariza on the Lakers' roster last summer, filling the role as their defensive stopper — yet Ariza also was absent from the 2008 finals with an injury. Los Angeles subsequently was carved up by Pierce, who averaged 21.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds against his hometown team while earning the series MVP award.

Although Artest says it takes an entire team to shut down Boston's array of offensive talent, Jackson is grateful to have a clear-cut matchup for Artest, who performed well against NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City in the first round.

"It's a huge difference for us," Jackson said. "That's a matchup that was difficult for us in the (2008) series."

The Lakers have milked their size advantage relentlessly during the season, starting two 7-footers and controlling the paint against nearly every opponent. Bynum's injuries have limited Los Angeles' advantages recently, with the big man missing the last 13 games of the regular season with an Achilles' tendon injury before torn cartilage in his right knee was discovered during the first round, limiting him during the rest of Los Angeles' run through the Western Conference.

"We're going to need me doing better than I am, that's for sure," said Bynum, who's averaging 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds while starting all 16 playoff games and playing just over 24 minutes per game. "Going in, I'm aware of that. It'll definitely be fun. It'll be a defensive battle this series."

Bynum decided against immediate surgery on his meniscus, even though his knee seems to be getting worse. He had a significant amount of fluid drained from his knee Monday after initially resisting the procedure, and he hopes he'll move better for the last few games of the season.

"I expect that he's going to come out and give us some good minutes," Jackson said. "They may not be heavy minutes, but he's got some effective things that he can do against the Celtics."

Jackson's quiet confidence extends to the players who already experienced the pain of a finals loss two years ago. Bryant and Pau Gasol had just teamed up that season, while most of his roster had never been that far into the playoffs, with their unique pressures and rhythm-disrupting responsibilities.

"I thought that we were really green when we came into the playoffs in 2008," Jackson said. "We lost Drew. We were young in a lot of other spots. This team is more mature now, and experienced."

The Celtics also have changed slightly, but their starting lineup is the same as it was two years ago. The 2008 Lakers started Vladimir Radmanovic — dispatched to Charlotte in a trade netting backup guard Shannon Brown — and Lamar Odom, now their sixth man, who's coming off a superb conference finals against Phoenix.

"We're a different ballclub," Bryant said. "That series really taught us what it takes to win, the energy it takes." - AP