Ex-NBA Star Grant Battles Parkinson's

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»

(NEWSER) - The NBA fined Lakers coach Phil Jackson $50,000 for complaining about the officiating in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, but the frustrated Nuggets think it was money well spent. They got whistled 30 times in last night's Game 5, and they’re angry, reports Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post. “Every player in my locker room is frustrated,” said coach George Karl. More»

New injury fells Trail Blazers center minutes into his delayed NBA debut

(NEWSER) - Greg Oden's NBA debut last night lasted just 13 minutes, the Oregonian reports. The Trail Blazers center and top 2007 draft pick—who sat out all last season with a knee injury—injured his foot in the first quarter of the team's 96-76 loss to the Lakers. Oden, still without a single point to his name in the NBA, is expected to be out for up to a month. More»

Portland builds 18-point second half lead, holds off comeback

(NEWSER) - Brandon Roy scored 23 points and matched his career high with 12 assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers held off the Los Angeles Lakers 112-103 on Tuesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge had 22 points and 11 rebounds for Portland, which snapped a five-game losing streak. Channing Frye had a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. More»

Blazers edge Clippers, Lakers shoot 61% in thrashing of Sonics

(NEWSER) - Perhaps still bristling from their recent four-game losing streak, the Spurs lashed out at the Kings in a 102-89 victory that saw the defending champions get back on track. Tim Duncan amassed 21 points and 10 rebounds, but it was a balanced team effort that overcame Ron Artest's 23 points for Sacramento, the Sacramento Bee reports. Elsewhere in the NBA: More»