Forget Red: Jackson Is NBA's Greatest

Drops the news in online video

(NEWSER) - Shaquille O’Neal is ending his Hall of Fame NBA career—not that he’s told the Celtics. The Big Diesel/Shamrock announced his retirement in a brief video posted online today. “We did it. Nineteen years, baby,” he said. “I want to thank you very much, that’s why I’m telling you first, I’m about to retire.” When ESPN asked why he’d announced it that way, he replied, “Once a businessman, always a businessman. I am the emperor of the social media network.” More»

Celtics beaten 83-79 as Lakers claim 16th title

(AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers have won their 16th NBA championship, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game 7 of the NBA finals. Kobe Bryant scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting while winning his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA champions for the first time since winning three straight from 2000-02. More»

Having NFL, NHL champions gives it a leg up on Penn. rival Philadelphia

(NEWSER) - With championship NFL and NHL teams and solid college squads, Pittsburgh is America’s top sports city, the Sporting News rules. “Sports fans in Western Pennsylvania have had a lot to be proud of these last 12 months. Pittsburgh truly is the City of Champions,” says Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who briefly changed his surname to “Steelerstahl” during last season’s Super Bowl run. The rest of the top 10: More»

(NEWSER) - In a rousing triumph for opposite marriage, reality-TV personality Khloé Kardashian and Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom tied the knot today, about a month after they first met. Sisters/co-stars Kim and Kourtney were the maids of honor, and the guests included Lakers coach Phil Jackson. The bride wore Vera Wang, reports E!—which insisted the $1 million ceremony take place today so it could be filmed, according to TMZ. More»

Prez: 'I haven't seen anybody match up with Michael'

(NEWSER) - President and Basketballer-in-Chief Obama wasn’t coy when asked whether he preferred Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan: “Oh, Michael,” he told the AP. “I mean, Kobe’s terrific. Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But I haven’t seen anybody match up with Michael.” Jordan, of course, played for Obama’s hometown Bulls—though Obama says he’s “no Lakers hater,” and indeed predicted Los Angeles’ victory over Orlando in the NBA finals. More»