LeBron celebrates birthday with win, Rolls Royce from Shaq (Yahoo! Sports)

LeBron James celebrated his 25th birthday with 48 points to lead his Cleveland Cavaliers to a 106-101 victory...

LeBron scores 48, Varejao hits winning 3 for Cavs (AP)

LeBron James had a big bash to celebrate his 25th birthday. Anderson Varejao delivered his gift before the party started. Varejao made his first career 3-pointer with 17.2 seconds left -- as the 24-second shot clock was about to expire -- to give Cleveland a disputed 106-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, the Cavaliers' 11th victory in 12 games.

Game to pay attention to: Hawks vs. Cavaliers (Yahoo! Sports)

Atlanta at Cleveland Didn't we do this yesterday ? You bet your bum we did! And the pay-off, while it...

Cavaliers clip Hawks again, 95-84 (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers held Atlanta scoreless for almost nine minutes to open the fourth quarter to break open a close game and beat the Hawks 95-84 in the NBA on Tuesday. Mo Williams had 20 points to lead the Cavaliers, who won in their return to Philips Arena since a dominant four-game sweep of the Hawks in the second round of last season's playoffs.

Durant sparks Thunder past Wizards 110-98, Oklahoma City wins fourth straight (The Canadian Press)

Kevin Durant may not be satisfied with his play, but his hot scoring has the surprising Oklahoma City Thunder playing their best basketball in years.

Cavs stop Hawks in fourth quarter of 95-84 win (AP)

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers generated a playoff-like atmosphere at Philips Arena. The bad news for the Atlanta Hawks was that a disastrous fourth quarter made the game feel like last year's four straight playoff losses to the Cavaliers. Cleveland held Atlanta scoreless for almost nine minutes to open the fourth quarter and scored the first 10 points of the period to break open a...

Game to pay attention to: Cavaliers vs. Hawks (Yahoo! Sports)

Cleveland at Atlanta Now the Cavaliers have to fly down to Atlanta? Nice. Apologies for acting the...

James scores 29, Cavaliers beat Rockets 108-83 (AP)

Once LeBron James and the Cavaliers adjusted to being back home, the Houston Rockets quickly wore out their welcome. Cleveland looked sluggish through the first few minutes following a West Coast trip, but quickly recovered with a flurry of 3-pointers and stifling defense to beat the Rockets 108-83 Sunday night.

Cavs' championship plan shows progress (Yahoo! Sports)

Hardened by their difficult start, the Cavs looked tougher – and better prepared – than the Lakers.

Fans revolt as Cavaliers beat Lakers (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers outclassed the Los Angeles Lakers 102-87 in Friday's clash of NBA divisional leaders, leaving Lakers fans to litter the court in frustration. Mo Williams scored 28 points and LeBron James added 26 for Cleveland in a game that ended with Lakers fans throwing dozens of giveaway foam hands onto the court.

Fans throw foam on court in Lakers' loss to Cavs (AP)

The yellow foam hands came flying in from every corner of the lower bowl, sailing onto the court in dozens of frisbee-style arches late in the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant victory. LeBron James was more worried than amused by this unusual display of frustration from the Los Angeles Lakers' fans -- and he got a bit more concerned when at least one water bottle followed the foam.

Open thread: Cavaliers vs. Lakers (Yahoo! Sports)

Cleveland at Los Angeles Lakers Were you guys aware that Cavalier cager Shaquille O'Neal used to be a...

O'Neal cast in new role as he returns to L.A. (Yahoo! Sports)

After lording over the Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal has become a bit player in King James' production.

Kobe: "Nothing there" for Cavs-Lakers rivalry (AP)

Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher scarcely remember how to celebrate Christmas without a high-profile game smack in the middle of their holiday season. That's life with the Los Angeles Lakers -- and that goes for the Lakers' families, too. "With the amount of gifts my kids receive, they could care less if I'm there or not," Fisher said with a laugh Thursday after the Lakers'...

Game to pay attention to: Cavaliers vs. Kings (Yahoo! Sports)

Cleveland at Sacramento Wow, there are a lot of great games on tonight. And because I don't have to write a...

Cleveland's Williams returns from bruised knee (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams returned to the game against the Sacramento Kings after leaving briefly with a bruised left knee. Williams went down midway through the first quarter while defending Sacramento rookie Tyreke Evans on a drive to the basket Wednesday night. The entire Cavaliers team came over as trainers treated Williams underneath the basket during a timeout.

James leads Cavs to 117-104 OT win over Kings (AP)

LeBron James had 34 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held the Sacramento Kings scoreless in overtime to pick up a 117-104 win Wednesday night. Zydrunas Ilgauskas hit three 3-pointers in the extra session and finished with 25 points as the Cavaliers beat the Kings for the seventh straight time.

Gasol gets 3-year extension with Lakers (AP)

Spanish forward Pau Gasol knows he surprised nobody by agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday nearly two seasons before it kicks in. After a rough start to his NBA career in Memphis, Gasol had been vocal about his desire to stay with the NBA champions well into the future.

APNewsmaker: Dudley says he skipped voting (AP)

Oregon gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley said Tuesday he failed to vote in most elections during his years as an NBA player and deeply regrets it. In an interview with The Associated Press, the former Portland Trail Blazers center said he's embarrassed by what he called his poor voting record from 1988 through 2002.

Dwyane Wade wants to play with LeBron? (Yahoo! Sports)

Next summer, extremely talented NBA free agents will be wandering the streets of America and looking for the...

James, Cavs hand Suns first home loss, 109-91 (AP)

LeBron James and Mo Williams led a 15-0 fourth-quarter run and the Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Phoenix Suns their first home loss of the season, 109-91 on Monday night. James scored 29 and Williams 24 as the Cavs shot 53 percent one night after a tough loss at Dallas. Steve Nash had 18 points and 10 assists for Phoenix.

Nowitzki still leads Mavs with blood, sweat (Yahoo! Sports)

Dirk Nowitzki's recent injury has given the Mavs a scare, but the franchise sees a bright future with its star forward.

Dirk-less Mavericks beat LeBron and Cavs 102-95 (AP)

With a bunch of versatile veterans, the Dallas Mavericks figure they can play any style of game and with any configuration of their lineup. That means they even like their chances against, say, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal on a night when Dirk Nowitzki is in street clothes. Seem silly? Not after the Nowitzki-less Mavs beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-95 Sunday night.

Cut could sideline Nowitzki against Cavs (Yahoo! Sports)

Dirk Nowitzki missed practice after collision with Carl Landry caused a deep gash to his right elbow.

NBA roundup: Saturday's action on the boards (The Canadian Press)

Steve Nash watched the fourth quarter of Saturday's game from the bench. He had already done enough to make sure his team remained undefeated on its own court.

James leads Cavs to fifth straight win (AP)

The Cavaliers are hitting the road spinning their wheels. LeBron James scored 26 points, Mo Williams added 17 and Cleveland, despite scoring just 2 points in the final 6:35 amid a torrent of turnovers, survived a late Milwaukee surge and a final shot to beat the Bucks 85-82 on Friday night for their fifth straight win.

Arenas hoping Agent Zero can save Wizards (Yahoo! Sports)

Gilbert Arenas intended to blend in with the Wizards. Now he wants his old "killer" mentality back.

Suicide lines: Tyreke steals the deal; Kobe, LA drop Bucks in OT (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Creamsicles .

Howard throws a block party in Hedo Turkoglu's return, Magic top Raptors 118-99 (The Canadian Press)

It wasn't exactly a warm welcome home for Hedo Turkoglu.

Cavs win fourth straight over 76ers, 108-101 (AP)

LeBron James brought out Philly's All-Stars, an MVP and a just-acquired Cy Young winner. No one tops the King, however, in star power. James gave Philly's famous fans something to remember with a pair of clutch 3s in the fourth quarter, scoring 36 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 108-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

James leads Cavaliers to 99-89 win over Nets (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal vowed to protect LeBron James when he was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason. Apparently, that goes for the rest of the King's men, too. O'Neal had 16 points and stepped right in when Jamario Moon was taken down by a hard foul in the fourth quarter, helping the Cavaliers beat the New Jersey Nets 99-89 on Tuesday night.

Cavaliers guard Delonte West inactive against Nets (AP)

Delonte West is back on the bench for the Cleveland Cavaliers. West, who has been in and out of the lineup this season while dealing with personal issues, was listed as inactive for the Cavaliers' game against New Jersey on Tuesday night. West has played in 16 of Cleveland's 24 games this season, averaging 6.1 points and 3.1 assists in 20 minutes.

Trick shots a treat for Cavaliers (AP)

Cleveland's Jamario Moon witnessed plenty of half-court trick shots during his two years with the Harlem Globetrotters. He saw another on Sunday when Mo Williams made a 48-footer in the Cavaliers' 102-89 win against Oklahoma City. Silly shots from strange angles aren't new to the Cavaliers, who create contests that resemble games of H-O-R-S-E after every practice.

Cavs Close to Deal with Chinese Investor (SportingNews.com)

First, a Russian bought the Nets. Now, according to Darren Rovell at CNBC, Chinese investors are about to acquire...

Williams' halfcourt shot closes out Cavs' win (AP)

LeBron James scored a season-high 44 points and Mo Williams hit a backbreaking halfcourt shot in the fourth quarter to help the Cleveland Cavaliers close out a 102-89 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Williams tracked down the ball after Thabo Sefolosha had tipped it into the backcourt, then turned and fired a 48-footer with coach Mike Brown yelling to him as the shot clock ran...

O'Neal questionable for Sunday game at Okla. City (AP)

Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal plans to travel with the team to Oklahoma City after leaving Friday night's game against Portland with a bruised left eye. O'Neal is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Thunder. He got poked by Portland's Joel Przybilla while going up for a shot in the third quarter on Friday night.

LeBron scores 33, Cavs trip Trail Blazers (AP)

LeBron James had another of those oh-no-he-didn't-type plays. Shaquille O'Neal didn't see it. James scored 33 points and made an incredible, soaring block on Brandon Roy in the final seconds, and Anderson Varejao had a season-high 22 as the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from consecutive sloppy road losses with a 104-99 win over the hobbled Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Cavaliers back near best to defeat Blazers (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from consecutive sloppy road losses to beat the hobbled Portland TrailBlazers 104-99 in the NBA on Friday. LeBron James scored 33 points, adding seven assists and rebounds and a soaring block on a shot in the closing seconds. Anderson Varejao had a season-high 22 plus 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were back home after losing in Memphis and Houston.

James a fan of Kentucky's Wall (AP)

Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall has been electrifying crowds and wowing fans this season. He won over LeBron James long ago. "He's great," the Cavaliers superstar said Friday night. "He'll be the No. 1 pick in the draft." James has developed a strong relationship with the speedy Wall, who has attended the MVP's basketball camps in Akron the past few summers.

The NBA's best fans (Yahoo! Sports)

The league champion Lakers add another title to their mantle: most-devoted cheering section.

Suicide lines: Alston criticizes NJ teammates; Del Negro safe? (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Dortmunder Export.

Wade wants more 'beef' to feed his title hunger (Yahoo! Sports)

Will Dwyane Wade re-sign with the Heat? That all depends on who else wants to come to Miami.

Cleveland's Brown ejected (AP)

Cleveland coach Mike Brown was ejected late in the first half against Houston on Wednesday night for protesting a non-call on LeBron James' drive. James posted up Houston's Shane Battier and when he turned to shoot, Rockets forward Chuck Hayes slapped the ball. James missed, Hayes rebounded and the Rockets scored on a fast break.

Ariza, Brooks lead Rockets past Cavaliers (AP)

The Houston Rockets have won games this season with a balanced offense that almost always produces 100 or more points. They used some of the stingy defense that has been their trademark in recent years to handle LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night Aaron Brooks scored 27 points, Trevor Ariza had 26 and the Rockets held James and the Cavaliers to one of their worst offensive...

Forbes: Lakers most valuable NBA franchise (AP)

The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA's most valuable team, and 12 others lost money in the 2008-09 season, according to Forbes magazine. In its annual listing of the value of NBA teams, Forbes finds the Lakers to be worth $607 million, up 4 percent for the league champions. Second are the New York Knicks at $586 million, but that is a 4 percent drop.

SL: Sheed predicts ref scandal will grow; Jefferson, Spurs struggle (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your J&B.

Conley's drive lifts Grizzlies over Cavs in OT (AP)

With the game on the line, it's hard to imagine Memphis point guard Mike Conley was the first offensive option. And as he drove to the basket, with Shaquille O'Neal shifting Conley's way, it looked even more troublesome. But the Memphis guard slipped by O'Neal, scooped a shot off the glass and through the net with three seconds left in overtime to give the Grizzlies a 111-109...

West teams face long odds against Lakers (Yahoo! Sports)

Pau Gasol is back. Andrew Bynum is healthy. The Lakers are beginning to show just how dominant they can become.

West scores 21 points, Cavs rout Bucks (AP)

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said he's sticking with Delonte West. The troubled guard showed for a game that Cleveland's faith in him could pay off. "He started for us on a 66-win team last year," Brown said. "We know what he's definitely capable of. We're going to be patient with him.

Bosh has 25 points, 12 rebounds, leads Raptors to 110-78 win over Bulls (The Canadian Press)

CHICAGO - Chris Bosh figured after a short work night, he might as well go shopping. No need to stay home and rest, he is feeling fine.

SheBron? James not sure women ready for NBA (AP)

LeBron James can't imagine having a female teammate or posting up against a woman in the NBA. Commissioner David Stern said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he believes women could be playing in the league within the next decade. "I don't want to get into all kinds of arguments with players and coaches about the likelihood," Stern told SI.

James paces Cavaliers past Bulls (AP)

LeBron James danced all over the Chicago Bulls. Joakim Noah didn't like being his partner. James scored 23 points, added 11 assists and busted out several smooth hip-hop dance moves in the second half that annoyed and angered Noah as the Cleveland Cavaliers won for the 11th time in 13 games, beating the Bulls 101-87 on Friday night.

Video: Cleveland Cavaliers' tribute to Michael Jackson (Yahoo! Sports)

Man, those Cleveland Cavaliers sure went all out for Hardwood Classic night this year ... Cheers, '64 and...

SL: Dwight done with dunk contest; Chris Paul returns to practice (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Last Call Jalapeno...

Video: Cleveland Cavaliers' retro introduction (Yahoo! Sports)

Man, Zydrunas Ilgauskas really took that DNP-CD to heart. What an emo! Wednesday night, the Cavaliers went with...

Game to pay attention to: Suns vs. Cavaliers (Yahoo! Sports)

Phoenix at Cleveland There are quite a few intriguing matchups on tonight, so this was a tough call.

Ilgauskas sets Cavaliers franchise mark (AP)

A little later than expected, Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas set a Cleveland record for games played. Ilgauskas, whose career was nearly ended by severe foot injuries, played in his 724th game Wednesday night when he entered with 3:50 left in the first quarter. It moved him past former teammate and current Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry for the most games by a Cavaliers player.

Ilgauskas, LeBron help Cavs down Suns 107-90 (AP)

As 20,000 fans filled the arena with the droning sound of his nickname, Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas choked back tears. The big man, known simply as "Z," finally had his moment. "That was one of the coolest things I've experienced in my life," he said. Ilgauskas, who overcame severe foot injuries early in his career to become an All-Star center, scored 14 points and...

James documentary lands nomination (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Coach says Ilgauskas will play Wednesday night (AP)

Zydrunas Ilgauskas never got off the bench during his first attempt at history. Given another chance, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown assured it will happen. Ilgauskas will become Cleveland's all-time leader in games played when he enters Wednesday's game at home against Phoenix. He currently shares the record of 723 games with Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry.

Shaq conveys concern for Tiger, rips rumors (AP)

Cavaliers superstar Shaquille O'Neal is expressing concern for Tiger Woods while criticizing rumors surrounding Woods' car accident last week. "Tiger's my guy," O'Neal says. "I'm not going to be like everybody else and say off-the-wall comments. I just hope he's OK." Like Woods, O'Neal has a home in Isleworth, a gated community near Orlando, Florida.

NBA roundup: Monday's action on the courts (The Canadian Press)

As the Philadelphia 76ers flirt with the possibility reuniting with Allen Iverson, Jason Terry made sure their dreadful start to the season continued Monday.