Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Bynum Says Knee’s Still Not 100%

As well as Los Angeles Lakers starting center Andrew Bynum has played since the All-Star break — averaging 11.9 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks as the Lakers have won 10 of their last 11 games — he says he’s still playing at less than 100 percent.
Chicago Bulls

Rose Hearing ‘MVP’ Chants In Every Arena

The “MVP” chants occur in every arena now, including the Prudential Center as the Bulls beat the Nets 84-73. All along, Rose has downplayed talk of the award, even shrugging off Michael Jordan’s endorsement. Rose said he’s focused on winning.
Boston Celtics

Danny Ainge: Celtics Need To Get Healthy

GM Dannny Ainge remains devoutly bullish on the Boston Celtics, but he isn’t blind. “I think we’re going to be fine, but you always have concerns. I think guys are going to get healthy, but will they get hurt two games back or three games back?”
Houston Rockets

Yao’s Hoping To Come Back With Rockets

Facing the possibility that his inability to play without injury would end his career or prompt him to choose to retire, Yao Ming said for the first time since his injury he hopes to come back from the stress fracture that ended his season in November.
Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe: “Wade Fouled The S**** Out Of Me”

More than an hour after the final buzzer sounded in the Lakers’ loss to the Miami Heat, Kobe Bryant was back on the American Airlines Arena court going through a nearly hour-long shooting routine as three Heat ball boys rebounded shot after shot.
Indiana Pacers

Larry Bird: Players, Not Vogel, To Blame

Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird is not blaming his team’s problems during the past three weeks on Frank Vogel. The reasons behind the Pacers’ 3-9 record in the past 12 games stem from ongoing internal problems with the players, Larry Bird said.
Portland Trail Blazers

Gerald Wallace’s Deal? A ‘Slap In The Face’

Calling it a “stab in the back” and “slap in the face,” Gerald Wallace hasn’t got over being blindsided by Michael Jordan’s Bobcats. “To feel like you’re not wanted anymore or you’re not good enough for the franchise anymore it’s a slap in the face.”
Chicago Bulls

Boozer Out A Week With Sprained Ankle?

The Bulls face the Hawks on Friday and the Jazz on Saturday at home. The last time Carlos Boozer sprained the same ankle, he missed three games. “It’s similar,” Tom Thibodeau said. “It could be anywhere from a couple days to a week. We’ll see from there.”
Charlotte Bobcats

Center Joel Przybilla To Be Out For A While

Joel Przybilla will not play Friday against the Trail Blazers because of pain in his surgically repaired right knee. “I think he is going to be out for a while,” Bobcats coach Paul Silas told Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer after Thursday’s practice.
Buzz and Buzzer

Big East: Kemba Walker Hits Game-Winner

Kemba Walker came home to New York City to play every minute and record 24 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists in UConn’s 76-74 win over Pittsburgh this afternoon. Thanks to Mocksession, here’s a look at Walker’s deadly step-back jumper for the win.
Orlando Magic

Stern Addresses Van Gundy’s Comments

For the first time since coach Stan Van Gundy said NBA commissioner David Stern doesn’t allow free speech and compared him to oppressive world leaders such as Egypt president Hosni Mubarak, the commissioner addressed those comments.
Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin: A Longshot For Team USA?

Forward Blake Griffin has already taken over Clipper-land, he has dominated the rookie class, he has stuffed both highlight reels and stat sheets—basically, in his first season, he’s left his stamp all over the NBA. Might the world be next? Well, maybe not.
Dallas Mavericks

Jason Terry Says Mavericks Are Not “Soft”

“I’m not soft, not me. I don’t know where that comes from, but we ain’t soft. We have to see how he meant soft in that aspect, but I know he wasn’t talking to me personally or any of my teammates because I don’t think none of these guys are soft.”
Chicago Bulls

Jordan: Rose “No Doubt” MVP This Season

“MVP of the season,” Michael Jordan said about Derrick Rose. “He deserves it. He’s playing that well, without a doubt.” Then Jordan offered that sly smile. “And if he doesn’t get it, now he will see how I felt a lot of those years,” the Bulls’ Hall of Famer said.
Memphis Grizzlies

Marc Gasol Not Worried With Free Agency

“I’m not worried about it,” Gasol said of his status as a restricted free agent. “I’m just trying to enjoy my situation right now and make the playoffs. That’s the only thing that I really care about right now. “When the time comes, we’ll see what happens,” he added.
Boston Celtics

Nenad Krstic Hoping To Stick With Celtics

Nenad Krstic may not be a starting center for the Celtics for much longer this year, not when Shaquille O’Neal comes back. But he’s already made an impression in Boston, and when his contract comes up after this year, he wouldn’t mind sticking around.
Oklahoma City Thunder

Kendrick Perkins Getting “Close” To Debut

Asked if there was a chance former Celtics’ Kendrick Perkins could be cleared in time to play against the Pistons, coach Scott Brooks smiled and said, “Let’s put it this way, he’s getting closer.” Closer, or close? “Close,” Brooks said, before mumbling “er.”
Philadelphia 76ers

Rod Thorn: No Intention To Add Big Man

The 76ers have no plans to use the 15th and final roster spot on a big man “at this time,” according to Rod Thorn. The Sixers could sign somebody to a 10-day contract to bolster their frontcourt depth, but it doesn’t look like that will happen in near future.
Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard’s Already Tired Of Rumors

“Every other day, I’m going somewhere else,” Dwight Howard said. “I don’t think it’s fair because I never came out and said I don’t want to be in Orlando. It does annoy me because I’m only concerned about winning a championship with Orlando.”