Bully Shaq Needs to Lay Off Dwight Howard

Mexico puts up best fight so far, but US prevails, 127-100

(NEWSER) - The US continued its domination of the FIBA Americas Tournament last night, beating Mexico, 127-100, despite holding only a 15-point lead—its smallest so far—at halftime. The Mexican team, led by former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson, outscored the US in the second quarter. "They just played every second of the game," said a relieved Mike Krzyzewski. More»

It has to do with another player by the name of Michael Jordan

(NEWSER) - LeBron James has notified the league he wants to switch from No. 23 to No. 6 next season as a tribute to a previous No. 23—Michael Jordan. In today's merchandise-crazy sports world, of course, the move is no simple thing. Nike, for instance, incorporates the "23" into its James logo. The league doesn't have to approve the switch, but it's unlikely to turn down the revenue from all those new jerseys. More»

Cavs star also gives himself a present: a 48-point game

(NEWSER) - It must be nice to be LeBron James. The Cavaliers star turned a vital 25 years old and showed off his youthful vigor by scoring 48 points to beat the Atlanta Hawks yesterday. Then, as is the case with so many 25-year-olds, his friend and teammate Shaquille O’Neal gave him a Rolls Royce Phantom that retails at about $400,000, reports the Cleveland Leader . More»

(NEWSER) - We're months away from the NBA season, but the scrutiny of the monster pairing of Shaq and LeBron has already begun in earnest. Can the superstars exist in harmony on one team? The Wall Street Journal sniffs out a little trouble, noting that the two haven't exactly acted like best buds since Shaq's trade to Cleveland this summer. "Everyone thinks you have to like each other to win a championship, but that's not true," says O'Neal. "You don't have to go on vacation together." More»

(NEWSER) - LeBron James is about to get some big help—literally. The Suns and Cavaliers have agreed in principle to a deal to send Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland in exchange for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, and the 46th pick in today's draft, multiple team execs tell the Plain Dealer. The trade will save Phoenix around $9 million, or more if Wallace accepts a retirement buyout. More»