NBA

Pelinka adds VP of operations title to GM role with LakersLOS ANGELES (AP) Rob Pelinka was given the title of vice president of basketball operations by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, almost three years after the former agent was hired as general manager.The Lakers made the announcement...

Mike Budenholzer out as coach of Atlanta HawksATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Hawks and coach Mike Budenholzer mutually agreed to part ways.The Hawks announced the move Wednesday night in a three-sentence statement.The decision was not totally unexpected as Budenholzer was granted permission to interview with other teams even though...

AP Basketball WriterAt last: The US arrives in China for the World CupBy TIM REYNOLDSSHANGHAI (AP) After a month of practice and years of planning, the U.S. men's basketball team has arrived at the World Cup.An all-night flight from Sydney to Shanghai that landed early Thursday brought the...

AP Sports WriterPelicans going at own pace after hitting NBA lottery jackpotBy BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) In the NBA city most familiar with ''gris-gris,'' folks see no small measure of poetic justice in the fact that their team will dictate the fate of a coveted prospect named Zion.Mystical...

AP Basketball WriterAnthony sharp in OKC debut, Rockets look fine without himBy BRIAN MAHONEYCarmelo Anthony sizzled in his first game with the Thunder, though Chris Paul and the Rockets look like they will be just fine without him.Houston overcame Anthony's 19 points in just 20 minutes and Paul George's...

Associated PressSimmons out for 76ers against Pistons with back tightnessBy MATT SCHOCHDETROIT (AP) Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons is out Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons because of back tightness.76ers coach Brett Brown says Simmons is questionable for Wednesday at Milwaukee after he left Saturday's game in the...

Associated PressPopovich negotiating new deal with San Antonio SpursBy RAUL DOMINGUEZSAN ANTONIO (AP) The Spurs suffered through an odd, erratic season filled with injuries, strife and drama before a second straight ouster from the playoffs in the first round.Gregg Popovich enjoyed it so much he is coming back...

AP Basketball WriterDragic getting ready for the season, by not playingBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) Goran Dragic usually needs to play in preseason games to get ready for the season.This year, the Miami point guard needed to not play.It has been a preseason like none other for Dragic, who...

AP Sports WriterAP Source: Jazz agree on contract extension with Rudy GobertBy KAREEM COPELANDSALT LAKE CITY (AP) A person with knowledge of the deal says the Utah Jazz and Rudy Gobert have agreed to terms on a contract extension.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of...

HOUSTON (115)Ariza 4-15 2-3 13, Motiejunas 7-13 1-3 18, Howard 7-16 10-15 24, Beverley 3-9 6-6 12, Harden 11-21 18-21 41, Black 1-3 0-0 2, Canaan 0-2 0-0 0, Johnson 2-6 0-0 5, Dorsey 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 35-85 37-48 115.DENVER (111)Chandler 8-17 2-2 23, Faried 5-12...

Lue: Cavs' Irving feeling 'good' after Game 4 ankle injuryBOSTON (AP) Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue says that Kyrie Irving's left ankle is feeling ''good'' in advance of Cleveland's Game 5 matchup Thursday night with the Celtics.Irving was moving around and putting up shots during the Cavs' morning shootaround.The...

Celtics, Cavaliers hit by injuriesCLEVELAND (AP) The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers were missing several key players Wednesday night because of injuries.Guards Kemba Walker (left knee rehab) and Jaylen Brown (strained right hamstring) and forward Gordon Hayward (bruised right knee) were out of the starting lineup for the...