Out of Africa and back: Senegal basketball star returns as mentor and businessmanDAKAR, Senegal — He moves across the sand-specked basketball court swathed in the glossy dark blue jersey of his old Japanese pro team, a keepsake from a career that propelled him around the world. Scaled-back Nets arena, Brooklyn development in new deal for government landNEW YORK — The owner of the New Jersey Nets will get a 22-year delay on paying the full $100 million for the right to build a new arena in Brooklyn under a deal made public Monday. AP ENTERPRISE: Hundreds of Africans turn to US hoop teams in hopes of a better lifeMARIETTA, Ga. — Growing up in Nigeria, Robert Ojeah fretted over the demands of everyday life, the sort of things that shouldn’t be a burden to a child. Petition: Nowitzki seeks custody of former girlfriend Crystal Taylor’s unborn childDALLAS — Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki has filed court papers seeking sole custody of his former girlfriend’s unborn child should genetic testing proves he’s the father. Tens of thousands of fans flood Lakers parade, rally, 15 people arrestedLOS ANGELES — The streets of downtown were transformed into a sea of purple and gold on Wednesday as tens of thousands of joyous Los Angeles Lakers fans joined their team in a raucous but mostly peaceful celebration of its 15th NBA championship. Tens of thousands of fans flood Lakers celebration despite frets over cost, crimeLOS ANGELES — Tens of thousands of jubilant Los Angeles Lakers fans flooded downtown Wednesday, creating a tidal wave of purple and gold while celebrating the storied franchise’s 15th NBA title with a high-energy parade and rally paid for by the city’s movers and shakers. FBI: Philly detective tipped off drug kingpin to raid through ex-NBA player “Pooh” RichardsonPHILADELPHIA — Prosecutors want to detain a Philadelphia detective charged with tipping off a drug kingpin about a raid through a mutual friend, former NBA player Jerome “Pooh” Richardson. Thousands amass at LA Coliseum hours before Lakers parade and rallyLOS ANGELES — Thousands of Los Angeles Lakers fans waving flags and wearing jerseys are pouring into the Coliseum for the rally celebrating the team’s 15th NBA title. Lakers to take victory lap in championship parade despite worries over money, hooligansLOS ANGELES — Thousands of fans poured into the Coliseum early Wednesday to celebrate the Los Angeles Lakers’ 15th NBA title with a parade and rally that the financially troubled city either badly needs or can’t afford, depending on who you ask. Private donors will cover most of Los Angeles’ public costs for Lakers’ victory paradeEL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday defended the decision to stage a victory parade for the NBA champion Lakers, saying it’s important to celebrate even at a time of high unemployment and home foreclosures. Democratic senator questions Obama firing of AmeriCorps inspector generalWASHINGTON — A Democratic senator on Tuesday joined Republicans in questioning President Barack Obama’s firing of the internal watchdog for the federal AmeriCorps program. Private donors will cover all of Los Angeles’ public costs for Lakers’ victory paradeEL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Tuesday defended the decision to stage a victory parade for the NBA champion Lakers, saying it’s important to celebrate even at a time of high unemployment and home foreclosures. LA police chief blames ‘knuckleheads’ for trouble during Lakers’ postgame celebrationsLOS ANGELES — Looting and vandalism that broke out in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball championship won’t keep the city from celebrating the team’s victory: City officials and the Lakers are planning a victory parade they hope will overshadow unrest the police chief blames on a mob of “knuckleheads.” Police say 8 officers receive minor injuries in melees amid Laker championship celebrationsLOS ANGELES — Los Angeles police say eight officers have suffered minor injuries during downtown disturbances that erupted amid street celebrations of the Lakers’ NBA championship victory over the Orlando Magic. Police break up crowds of rowdy fans celebrating Lakers’ title outside Staples CenterLOS ANGELES — Hundreds celebrated in the streets outside Staples Center after the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA title win Sunday night, with some revelers damaging police cruisers, throwing rocks and bottles at officers and setting bonfires in the street, authorities said. Fired AmeriCorps inspector general for national service says he acted properlyWASHINGTON — An inspector general fired by President Barack Obama says he acted “with the highest integrity” in investigating AmeriCorps and other government-funded national service programs. Obama to fire AmeriCorps inspector general because he lacks confidence in himWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama plans to fire the inspector general who investigates AmeriCorps and other national service programs amid a controversy between the IG and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is an Obama supporter and former NBA basketball star. North Korea Dear Leader reportedly taps 26-year-old son as successor _ known as Commander KimSEOUL, South Korea — One photo shows a chubby-cheeked boy with an impish grin. Former classmates at a Swiss boarding school describe a shy student who loved basketball and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Recent reports describe him as overweight and a heavy drinker. Jordan reaches agreement in principle to accept 76ers coaching jobThe Philadelphia 76ers have found their next head coach, reaching an agreement in principle with Eddie Jordan to end a search that lasted nearly three weeks. Person with knowledge of talks: Jordan has agreement in principle to accept 76ers coaching jobThe Philadelphia 76ers have an agreement in principle with Eddie Jordan to become their next head coach. Anthony, Billups lead Nuggets past Mavs 124-110 and into first conference finals since 1985DENVER — The Denver Nuggets are leaving all the animosity with the Dallas Mavericks’ players, fans and owner behind and are heading to their first Western Conference finals since 1985. Behind 30 points from Carmelo Anthony and 28 from Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets beat the Mavericks 124-110 on Wednesday night to wrap up their semifinal series in five feisty games. Anthony, Billups lead Nuggets past Mavs 124-110 and into first conference finals since 1985DENVER — The Denver Nuggets are leaving all the animosity with the Dallas Mavericks’ players, fans and owner behind and are heading to their first Western Conference finals since 1985. Mavs coach Carlisle arrives about an hour before tip after attending funeral for Chuck DalyDENVER — Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle arrived at Pepsi Center about an hour before tip-off Wednesday night after returning from South Florida where he served as a pallbearer at Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly’s funeral. Next? LeBron, Cavaliers waiting again as second straight sweep lands them in conference finalINDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Team Sweep did some housekeeping on Wednesday. Former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan interested in 76ers head coaching vacancyPHILADELPHIA — Former NBA coach Eddie Jordan has expressed interest in the Philadelphia 76ers head coaching job and hopes to meet with team president Ed Stefanski by the end of the weekend. NBA office: No punishment for fallout from Mavericks-Nuggets incidents on, off the courtDENVER — The NBA won’t punish anybody over the ugly incidents that occurred on and off the court in Games 3 and 4 of the series between the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets. Lakers can close out undermanned Houston on Thursday nightHOUSTON — The shots stopped falling, the passes that worked in Game 4 were turnovers in Game 5, and every loose ball or whistle seemed to go the Los Angeles’ Lakers way. Next? LeBron, Cavaliers again play waiting game after second straight sweepINDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Team Sweep did some housekeeping on Wednesday. Hundreds fill Florida church to mourn former Pistons, Dream Team coach Chuck DalyTEQUESTA, Fla. — Chuck Daly’s team gathered around him one last time. Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn were side by side on one end, Joe Dumars on the right, Isiah Thomas and Vinnie Johnson standing together a few feet back. King James leads All-NBA first team, joined by Howard, Wade, Nowitzki and BryantNEW YORK — LeBron James should be getting used to sweeps by now. |