NBA

Ex-Russian basketball boss given jail term for embezzlementMOSCOW (AP) The former president of the Russian Basketball Federation has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being accused of embezzlement, state news agencies reported on Monday.Yulia Anikeeva was alleged to have worked with two accountants...

AP Sports WriterDivac leads Class of 2019 into Basketball Hall of FameBy JIMMY GOLENSPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) Vlade Divac is leading off the festivities at the Basketball Hall of Fame's 2019 enshrinement ceremonies.The Yugoslav and Los Angeles Lakers star was the first to be inducted on Friday night at...

AP Sports WriterLeBronzed? James honored by drive to build statue of himBy TOM WITHERSINDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) LeBron James may go from idolized to immortalized in his hometown.A GoFundMe account has been established with a goal to raise $1 million to sculpt and erect a life-size statue of James...

AP Sports WriterWarriors GM Myers confident Kerr will return to full healthBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers fully expects Steve Kerr to find a solution to his debilitating health issues and be back on the bench without being forced out of coaching...

Phoenix Suns sign Jimmer Fredette through rest of seasonPHOENIX (AP) Jimmer Fredette is back in the NBA.The Phoenix Suns signed Fredette for the rest of the season Friday with a team option for 2019-20.The 30-year-old Fredette won every national college player of the year award his senior season...

76ers' All-Star C Embiid returns from torn ligament in handPHILADELPHIA (AP) Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers' lineup three weeks after surgery on a torn ligament in a finger in his left hand.Embiid was in the starting lineup wearing No. 24 in honor of Kobe Bryant instead...

AP Sports WriterMom of T-wolves star Karl-Anthony Towns dies from COVID-19By DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, the mother of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, died Monday due to complications from COVID-19 after more than a month of fighting the virus. She was 58.The Timberwolves made the announcement via...

The Latest: Magic commit $2 million to game-night workersBy The Associated PressThe Latest on the coronavirus outbreak's effect on sports around the world (all times local):1:50 p.m.The DeVos family that owns the Orlando Magic has unveiled plans for a $2 million fund to pay hourly workers who will miss...

AP Sports WriterNowitzki announces retirement after final home game for MavsBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Dirk Nowitzki cried near midcourt when the second quarter was about to resume.The Dallas Mavericks star nearly jumped for joy with a huge smile on his face after a rare dunk prompted thunderous applause...

AP Basketball WriterNets' Dinwiddie to have surgery for partially torn right ACLBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Spencer Dinwiddie will have surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his right knee, an early blow to a Brooklyn Nets team that hoped it had left its injury troubles behind.Dinwiddie...

AP Basketball WriterKnicks hire longtime player agent Leon Rose as presidentBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) The New York Knicks hired Leon Rose as their president Monday, hoping the longtime player agent can be just as successful as an executive.Rose is taking over what has become one of the...

Los Angeles Lakers waive veteran guard Corey BrewerEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Lakers have waived veteran guard Corey Brewer.The Lakers also recalled big man Thomas Bryant from their G League affiliate on Wednesday.The 31-year-old Brewer joined the Lakers late last season from Houston in a trade...