nba

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, 33, has reached a verbal deal to play in Italy during the NBA lockout, said Italian team Virtus Bologna. “There’s still some things to arrange but at this point I’m very optimistic. I would say it’s 95 percent done,” Virtus president Claudio Sabatini told a local radio station, adding, “This is an important investment and a unique chance for the city of Bologna

Joe McGinniss’ new book about Sarah Palin,‘The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin,’ doesn’t hit stores until next week, but explosive new revelations are already trickling out, courtesy of The National Enquirer. McGinniss reports that the former Alaskan governor and VP candidate slept with former NBA All-Star Glen Rice, used cocaine, and cheated on her husband, Todd, with one of his busines

The NBA may be in lockout mode, but that doesn’t mean league activities have stopped. Owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, which could lead to even more sweeping changes to the annual event, according to SheridanHoops.com. The goal is to create a more competitive balance of power across the league. One proposal would keep the entire first round to the league’s bottom hal

Justin Bieber is apparently good at basketball. So good, he not only has a killer crossover, but can get future NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash to fall for it. But who would ever belieb … sorry … believe that kind of story?

Thanks to his stellar career in both China and the US, Yao Ming is a surefire Hall of Famer. But the former center isn’t ready to be inducted just yet. Ordinarily, NBA players must wait five years after their retirement to be eligible for induction. However, since Yao was nominated by a member of the Chinese media as a “contributor” to the game, he could go in as early as next year. The eight-time

Journeyman guard Javaris Crittenton, 23, faces a murder charge in the death of a 23-year-old mother who is not believed to be the target of the shooting. According to reports, Crittenton thought he spotted the man who robbed him earlier this year, and opened fire. The former guard is rumored to be in the Los Angeles area, and remains at large.

NBA star Delonte West, who just three years ago signed a $12.7 million contract, is apparently feeling the unemployment pinch of the league’s lockout. Last week, the Boston Celtics guard tweeted, “It’s official.. Pride 2 the side.. just filled out a application at Home Depot.. Lockout aint a game..”

Dennis Rodman stole the show Friday night with an unexpectedly emotional speech upon his induction to the NBA’s Hall of Fame.

It’s no joke — Blake Griffin will be waiting out the NBA lockout as an intern for Funny or Die. The NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year started his stint at the Will Ferrell-founded comedy website this week. Griffin, who’s a big fan of the site, hopes he will learn more about filmaking during his internship.

ESPN analyst and former NBA player Jalen Rose was sentenced in Michigan Wednesday to 20 days behind bars after pleading guilty to driving under the influence in March. Before the sentence, Jalen told the judge, “I’m humbled, I’m embarrassed, and I’m very apologetic. I can assure everyone that nothing like this will ever happen again.”

There may be an NBA lockout, but that won’t stop Kevin Love from dunking around a net. The Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star is planning to play beach volleyball in next month’s Manhattan Beach Open, as part of the pro volleyball tour.

With labor issues casting doubt over over the 2011-2012 NBA season, Ron Artest might be taking his talents to ‘Dancing With The Stars. TMZ reports that the Los Angeles Laker, who recently changed his name to Metta World Peace, is currently in talks to appear on the upcoming season of the reality TV show.