NBA

AP Basketball WriterAP source: NBA approves draft lottery, player resting rulesBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) A person with knowledge of the details says NBA owners have passed rules designed to prevent healthy players from sitting out games, and teams from losing games on purpose to improve their draft...

AP Sports WriterSmart returns slimmer, ready to take on role as Celtics' vetBy KYLE HIGHTOWERNEWPORT, R.I. (AP) Marcus Smart is walking around a lot more with his shirt off. And it may be a positive sign for the Boston Celtics this season.The fourth-year guard developed a reputation as...

Associated PressZach Randolph faces misdemeanor marijuana charge in LABy MICHAEL BALSAMOLOS ANGELES (AP) Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph has been charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession and resisting arrest following an incident this month when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project, prosecutors said Thursday.The...

The Latest: Lawyers press victim about assets of NBA twinsPHOENIX (AP) The Latest on the assault trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris (all times local):5 p.m.A defense lawyer has pressed the man the Morris brothers are accused of beating on whether knowing about the NBA players'...

AP Sports WriterCavs coach Lue says friends shot in Las Vegas tragedyBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) For Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue, the shootings in Las Vegas became personal.Lue said he personally knows three people who were shot Sunday night when a gunman armed with high-powered assault rifles smashed open...

The Latest: Lawyers for NBA twins focus on victim's motiveBy Associated PressPHOENIX (AP) The Latest on the assault trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris (all times local):4:33 p.m.A defense lawyer has pressed the man the Morris brothers are accused of beating on whether knowing about the...

AP Sports WriterBulls bring back Collins as special adviserBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) Doug Collins has returned to the Chicago Bulls. Just not on the sideline this time around.The rebuilding Bulls hired Collins on Tuesday to serve senior adviser of basketball operations, providing ''an expert resource'' for the front...

Associated Press WritersNFL anthem protests evolve past Kaepernick's original intentBy JESSE J. HOLLAND and ERRIN HAINES WHACKWhat began more than a year ago with an NFL quarterback protesting police brutality against minorities by kneeling silently during the national anthem before games has grown into a roar with hundreds of...

AP Sports WriterLeBron still slowed by sprained left ankle, misses practiceBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James remains sidelined with a sprained left ankle and the Cavaliers plan to keep him out of an upcoming scrimmage.James hasn't practiced since Wednesday, when he rolled his ankle during the team's second...

NBA players' trial resumes with testimony of man attackedBy Associated PressPHOENIX (AP) The aggravated assault trial of NBA players Marcus and Markieff Morris has resumed with the testimony from the man the brothers are accused of beating.Erik Hood testified Tuesday that his relationship with the brothers became strained...

Suns give T.J. Warren $50 million, four-year extensionPHOENIX (AP) T.J. Warren has signed a $50 million, four-year contract extension with the Phoenix Suns.The 6-foot-8 forward, nicknamed ''Tony Buckets'' by teammates, is entering his fourth NBA season. He averaged career highs of 14.4 points and 5.1 rebounds over 66...

AP Basketball WriterAndrew Wiggins signs contract extension with TimberwolvesBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed Andrew Wiggins to a new contract extension.The Timberwolves announced on Wednesday that the two sides had reached agreement on a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed, but owner Glen Taylor said...