James: Coach should have played Ilgauskas (AP)

The Cavaliers concluded practice on Monday with a lighthearted game of football. The one player missing was the same one missing Saturday night -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Ilgauskas was set to become Cleveland's franchise leader in games played Saturday against Dallas, but coach Mike Brown elected not to play him.

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

On a Cavaliers team with superstars like LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, it's easy to forget about a guy like Mo Williams.

Cavaliers bounce back to sink Mavericks (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers recovered from a lackluster loss the previous day to beat the road-tested Dallas Mavericks 111-95 in the NBA on Saturday. Mo Williams made all seven of his 3-point attempts, and LeBron James scored 25 points with 12 assists as Cleveland prevailed in a clash of two divisional leaders.

Cavaliers bounce back by beating Mavericks 111-95 (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from a lackluster loss in Charlotte by beating the road-tested Dallas Mavericks 111-95 in the NBA on Saturday. Mo Williams made 7 of 7 3-point attempts for 25 pints, LeBron James scored 25 points with 12 assists and Anderson Varejao scored 15 -- 13 in the second half -- for the Cavaliers, who were beaten 94-87 by the Bobcats on Friday in center Shaquille...

James, Williams lead Cavaliers over Mavs 111-95 (AP)

Mo Williams doesn't mind being forgotten, lost in the gargantuan shadows cast by his superstar teammates. LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal can have all the attention. Williams just wants a taste now and then. He got some Saturday night. Williams made all seven of his 3-point attempts and scored 25 points, James added 25 with 12 assists and the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from a lackluster...

Wallace outduels LeBron, Bobcats beat Cavs 94-87 (AP)

LeBron James and the Cavaliers were already struggling with their rhythm in Shaquille O'Neal's return from injury. When Michael Jordan started giving Gerald Wallace pointers on how to play LeBron, Cleveland was doomed. Listening intently to Jordan and attacking a foul-prone James, Wallace had 31 points and 14 rebounds, and the Charlotte Bobcats took advantage of the disjointed Cavaliers in...

SL: Lou Williams out with broken jaw; Shaq pays for girl's funeral (Yahoo! Sports)

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

Shaq expected to return from injury vs. Bobcats (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal has participated in shootaround is expected to play against Charlotte. Coach Mike Brown said O'Neal "will probably play" unless he has a setback before Friday night's game. O'Neal has sat out the past six games with a strained left shoulder.

SL: Collison gets best of Jennings; Wade would play with Dwight (Yahoo! Sports)

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

Shaq says he will play for Cavs on Friday night (AP)

Shaq is ready to be back. Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said he'll know Friday if Shaquille O'Neal will return from his shoulder injury to play the Charlotte Bobcats. O'Neal doesn't sound like he needs to wait that long. "I'm playing," he said Wednesday night after the Cavs beat Detroit without him.

Touched by NC girl's death, Shaq pays for funeral (AP)

Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal paid for the funeral of a 5-year-old North Carolina girl after being moved by national news coverage of the case of Shaniya Davis, who police say was kidnapped and killed. The Cleveland Cavaliers player was touched by the stories he saw and got in touch with the family to see what he could do to help, a spokeswoman for O'Neal said Thursday.

Report: 10-time all-star Allen Iverson set to retire from the NBA (The Canadian Press)

PHILADELPHIA - Allen Iverson is set to retire from the NBA, according to an online report.

LeBron scores 34 in Cavs' 98-88 win over Pistons (AP)

LeBron James soared through the air and did a double-pump dunk that included a shot to his head that pushed his headband off his forehead. "And one!" James shouted at the officials, pleading for a foul. No, James doesn't always get superstar calls. James did get what he wanted Wednesday night, though, scoring 12 of his 34 points in the first quarter and leading the Cavs to a 98-88 win...

Cavs sit Shaquille O'Neal for a 6th straight game (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal will be sidelined for Wednesday's game against Detroit because of an injured shoulder, the sixth game in a row he will miss. O'Neal hasn't played since a Nov. 12 win over Miami. The Cavs are being cautious with O'Neal after acquiring him from Phoenix in an offseason trade.

Shaq practices, hopes to return against Detroit (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal asked for a shot. The Cavaliers gave him 10 days off instead. The team wouldn't comply when O'Neal asked for a cortisone injection to make his ailing shoulder feel better, choosing to treat it with rest and rehab. O'Neal returned to practice with the Cavaliers on Monday and is hopeful he can play in Cleveland's game at Detroit on Wednesday.

Becoming special sheriff won't be easy for Shaq (AP)

Becoming one of Ohio's uniformed officers won't be a cakewalk for Shaquille O'Neal. Hoping to further his off-the-court career in law enforcement, the Cleveland Cavaliers star has applied to become a special deputy in the Buckeye state. But the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Sunday that O'Neal must pass an examination and undergo training first.

Cavaliers hold off 76ers (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter to hold on for a 97-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA on Saturday. LeBron James scored 32 points, adding nine assists and seven rebounds while Mo Williams added 18. Philadelphia could only manage 10 points over the final 12 minutes.

Shaq misses fifth straight game (AP)

Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal is out for Saturday's game against Philadelphia, the fifth straight game he has missed with a shoulder injury. O'Neal hasn't played since a Nov. 12 win over Miami. Cavs coach Mike Brown said before Saturday's game against Philadelphia that O'Neal won't play in a game again until he practices.

LeBron's 32 lead Cavaliers over 76ers (AP)

There's one thing -- other than LeBron James, of course -- that the Cleveland Cavaliers can always count on when things get tough. In a pinch, they turn to their defense. "That's where we make our mark at," James said. "On the defensive end. We just lock down." James scored 32 points, Mo Williams added 18 and the Cavaliers clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter for...

Garnett still feels pain of lost season (Yahoo! Sports)

Forced to watch as the Celtics lost to the Magic in the playoffs, Kevin Garnett returns hungry and almost healed.

LeBron's 40 leads Cavaliers past Pacers (AP)

Cleveland's offense was stagnant, and the Indiana Pacers had turned a five-point halftime deficit into a five-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers went back to their tried-and-true formula -- LeBron, LeBron and more LeBron -- and it got the usual result. James scored 10 of his season-high 40 points in the final 7:07, and Cleveland beat the Pacers 105-95 on Friday night.

Shaq misses 4th straight game as Cavs face Pacers (AP)

Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal has missed his fourth straight game with a strained right shoulder. O'Neal did not travel with the Cavaliers for their game Friday night against the Pacers. He is averaging 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds. Cleveland coach Mike Brown didn't give a timetable for his return.

Allen Iverson deal with Knicks "near certainty"? (Yahoo! Sports)

It's looking like former Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson is getting extremely close to signing a deal...

Suicide lines: Knicks to decide on Iverson today; Dirkus Circus (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your pea and mint pesto...

Shaq (shoulder) to sit out at least 1 more game (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal could miss the Cleveland Cavaliers' next couple of games with a strained shoulder. O'Neal did not travel with the Cavaliers for their game at the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, the third consecutive time he sat out. Cleveland coach Mike Brown said O'Neal also will be out Friday at Indiana, and the center also might be sidelined for Saturday's home game...

LeBron James hurts left wrist on rim vs. Wizards (AP)

LeBron James hurt his left wrist by banging it on the basket while dunking late in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 108-91 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. "I hit it pretty bad on the rim," said James, who iced his wrist in the locker room after the game. "It's like you hit your funny bone, but it's not funny at all." He said it happened on one of his...

Jamison's double-double debut leads Wiz past Cavs (AP)

With LeBron James taking a second-half breather, Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler put the Washington Wizards way ahead. When James returned to the court, instead of leading a comeback, he became part of the problem in his Cleveland Cavaliers' 108-91 loss to Washington on Wednesday night.

LeBron believes he could star in NFL (AP)

NBA superstar LeBron James watched the Cleveland Browns be whitewashed by the Baltimore Ravens 16-0 on Monday and came to one simple conclusion: He could help. "If I put all my time and commitment into it, if I dedicated myself to the game of (American) football, I could be really good," the Cleveland Cavaliers guard said on Tuesday.

James, Hickson give Cavs 114-108 victory (AP)

LeBron James stood in front of his locker while a trainer wrapped his knees and back in ice. When the cool bag hit the small of his back, James shivered and flinched. It was the only time he flinched all night. James scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half and finished with 12 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-108 victory over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Cavs' Shaq, Varejao inactive for Tuesday's game (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao are inactive for the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against Golden State. Varejao is scratched with a hip contusion. O'Neal is missing his second straight game with a strained shoulder, and coach Mike Brown doesn't expect either player back for Wednesday night's game at Washington.

Shaquille O'Neal doubtful for Tuesday's game (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal's mysterious shoulder injury is expected to keep him out of Cleveland's game Tuesday against Golden State. O'Neal, who's still receiving treatment, did not practice Monday and is considered doubtful for the game. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown would not say which shoulder was injured.

LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade teaming up in Miami? (Yahoo! Sports)

Before July 1, there will be lots of rumors floating around about where every one of the seemingly seven billion...

Leaguewide retirement of No. 23 seems unlikely (PA SportsTicker)

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

Loss to Lakers fuels Anthony, Nuggets (Yahoo! Sports)

Carmelo Anthony can do without the MVP chatter. He just wants to finally play in the NBA Finals.

LeBron James giving up 23 out of respect for Michael Jordan (Yahoo! Sports)

Michael Jordan apparently was in the house when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat...

Suicide lines: Arenas frustrated; Scalabrine miffed (Yahoo! Sports)

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

O'Neal out of Cavaliers' lineup Saturday (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal was scratched from the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup Saturday night against Utah because of a strained shoulder. O'Neal started Cleveland's first nine games, averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. Zydrunas Ilgauskas was expected to start at center in place of O'Neal.

James leads Cavaliers to 107-103 win against Utah (AP)

After LeBron James finished off Utah, Cleveland coach Mike Brown called him Rembrandt. After James did it to Miami on Thursday night, Brown called him Picasso. Regardless of the artist, James is doing his best work in the paint. His three-point play on a drive to the basket Saturday night with 28.8 seconds remaining lifted short-handed Cleveland to a 107-103 victory over the Jazz.

Leaguewide retirement of No. 23 seems unlikely (AP)

LeBron James may persuade NBA players to give up their No. 23s, but a leaguewide retirement of Michael Jordan's number seems unlikely. James said on Thursday that he is considering switching his number next season and wants other players to do the same in honor of Jordan, the Hall of Famer who is often regarded as the league's best player ever.

LeBron's silence on 2010 is golden for Cavs (Yahoo! Sports)

LeBron James has vowed not to talk about free agency. He should remember who invited the circus to town.

LeBron James scores 34 to lead Cavaliers past Heat and Wade, 111-104 (The Canadian Press)

MIAMI - Ninety minutes before tipoff, LeBron James stood at his locker with a pair of scissors, trimming loose threads from the front of his jersey.

Cavs G West inactive again (AP)

Troubled Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was inactive for the second night in a row Thursday, and coach Mike Brown says his status was day to day. West made the trip to Miami but sat out against the Heat because of an "internal matter," Brown said. That was the same reason given for West missing Wednesday's win at Orlando.

How about King James and MJ as teammates? (AP)

A day after he cut off questions about becoming a free agent next year, LeBron James raised the idea of playing with Michael Jordan. James said that was his dream as a kid. With the Cleveland Cavaliers' star facing the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade for the first time this season Thursday, the focus was on the possibility they might join forces.

LeBron wants to switch numbers as Jordan tribute (AP)

LeBron James wants NBA players to give up their No. 23s to honor of Michael Jordan. The Cavaliers superstar, who has worn 23 since he was a high school sophomore, believes players should pay tribute to Jordan for the Hall of Famer's impact on the game. "I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized in some way -- soon," James said.

James leads Cavs past Heat, 111-104 (AP)

Ninety minutes before tipoff, LeBron James stood at his locker with a pair of scissors, trimming loose threads from the front of his jersey. He wanted to look good in his showdown with Dwyane Wade, and he did, scoring 34 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 111-104 on Thursday night.

Wade says playing with LeBron in 2010 is a longshot (Yahoo! Sports)

The matchup that some NBA teams such as the New York Knicks keep fantasizing about is putting Dwyane Wade from...

Heat await a test from Shaq and LeBron (AP)

One team is off to a flying start, already in first place and unbeaten in five games against Eastern Conference rivals. The other appears a bit slow from the NBA starting gate, languishing just a game over .500. Entering the season, there probably weren't many prognosticators expecting Miami and Cleveland to be in those positions.

LeBron says he's done talking about free agency (AP)

Frustrated by repeated questions, LeBron James said he won't talk about his possible free agency next summer until after this season. The Cleveland star and reigning NBA MVP said Wednesday night before the Cavaliers' victory over Orlando that all the talk is "getting old." James cut off interviews after being hit with questions about free agency and teaming with Miami's...

LeBron, Shaq help Cavs to 102-93 win over Magic (AP)

LeBron James didn't storm off the court this time. Instead, he shook hands with teammates and anyone who offered, walking to the locker room slowly with an ever-so small grin. He also departed Orlando with the most important thing this time: a win. James scored 36 points, Shaquille O'Neal provided an inside presence and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 102-93 on Wednesday night...

Stan Van Gundy Can Mince Words with the Best (SportingNews.com)

The Magic are this season's underdogs. A friend said there are basically two kinds of basketball experts:...

Shaquille O'Neal, wife splitting up (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal's wife is splitting up with the Cleveland Cavaliers center. Va'Shaundya O'Neal filed for legal separation with intent to divorce Monday in Los Angeles. She cited irreconcilable differences. She is seeking spousal and child support and full legal custody of the couple's four children.

Warriors anxious to part ways with Jackson (Yahoo! Sports)

Citing "serious chemistry issues," two Warriors players want the team to trade Stephen Jackson as soon as possible.

Shaq ready for Howard, Magic (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal worked on his kickboxing with Cavaliers teammate Anderson Varejao as the two traded playful jabs following practice. Once talk turned to Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy and Magic superstar Dwight Howard, though, O'Neal put the gloves away. While playing for Phoenix last season, O'Neal was critical of both, mocking Howard's use of the nickname "Superman" while...

James says winning more important than money (AP)

LeBron James wants to be clear: Championships are more important than cash. Not that the cash isn't nice. James on Monday clarified a remark he made last week in which the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar said getting a maximum contract next summer isn't that important to him. "Let's get this clear: I said the max contract doesn't mean more than winning," James said.

Suicide lines: Van Gundy critical of Magic; Stojakovic to start (Yahoo! Sports)

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

Start of Rookie Season Has Its Ups and Downs (SportingNews.com)

Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson, drafted No. 12 overall by Charlotte in the 2009 NBA draft, will share his...

LeBron: No timetable for free agency decision (AP)

LeBron James thinks his present is too good to spend time worrying about his future. James said Friday he has no timetable for deciding what he will do next summer. The NBA's MVP said it will be his first time getting to be an unrestricted free agent, so he's not going to rush any decision. Nor will he even consider it for a while.

LeBron gets 33 in only MSG visit, Cavs beat Knicks (AP)

LeBron James celebrated with the Yankees and toyed with the Knicks. No wonder he's bummed about the NBA schedule: only one Garden party this season. James scored 33 points in his lone visit to New York, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-91 victory over the Knicks on Friday night. One night after managing just 42 second-half points in an ugly home loss to Chicago, the Cavaliers rang up 40...

Warriors' Jackson moving to Charlotte Bobcats? (Yahoo! Sports)

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets both would apparently love to have Stephen Jackson on their squads...

LeBron James could still move to Knicks (Yahoo! Sports)

There seems to be a foregone conclusion going around that come July 1, LeBron James will sign a massive new...

Bulls squeak by Cavs 86-85 (AP)

For a split second, LeBron James appeared to be on his way to bailing out the Cleveland Cavaliers once more. Luol Deng and Joakim Noah put a stop to that. Chicago's forwards double teamed James and denied the superstar on a drive in the final seconds as the Chicago Bulls ended Cleveland's three-game winning streak with an 86-85 win Thursday night, the Cavaliers' second home loss already...

Knicks set for LeBron's only visit this season (AP)

LeBron James is coming to town, and New York is throwing a parade. A little early to start the recruiting pitch, isn't it? Actually, the parade is for the Yankees, but James won't mind. He's a huge fan of the World Series champions. Besides, Broadway is all his after that. "My parade starts at 8 o'clock tomorrow night," James said Thursday before Cleveland hosted Chicago.

Knicks set for LeBron's only visit this season (PA SportsTicker)

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

Cavs' West faces more weapons charges in Maryland (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was indicted Tuesday on additional weapons and traffic charges stemming from his Sept. 17 arrest for speeding on a motorcycle and carrying multiple weapons. The eight-count indictment sheds no new light on why West, 26, was riding a motorcycle on the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County, Md., at 10 p.m.

LeBron, Shaq lead Cavs over Wizards (AP)

Shaquille O'Neal has always felt like when he gets the ball down low, within a few feet of the basket, he should score every time. "Got to," he said. "If not, get rid of me." The Cavaliers just got him, and they're not about to let him go. O'Neal had easily his best game since joining Cleveland, scoring a season-high 21 points while wearing out Washington's big...

Cleveland Cavaliers star Delonte West indicted on additional charges in Maryland (The Canadian Press)

WASHINGTON - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was indicted Tuesday on additional weapons and traffic charges stemming from his Sept. 17 arrest for speeding on a motorcycle and carrying multiple weapons.

Mike Brown will leave Cavs' West on bench (PA SportsTicker)

Delonte West sat under the basket after practice on Monday chatting with teammates. Cleveland's troubled star was expected to face reporters for the first time since taking two leaves of absence during training camp and missing the Cavaliers' first three games.

Cleveland Cavaliers trying to sign Antonio Daniels (Yahoo! Sports)

When the Minnesota Timberwolves released Antonio Daniels last Tuesday via waivers, the team probably didn't...

Delonte West plays for Cavs (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Cavs' West kept out of opener (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Cavaliers and Celtics prepare to renew rivalry (PA SportsTicker)

Shaquille O'Neal spent his final day of free time where any super hero would hang out.

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

After starting the season with two straight losses, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to have righted their ship.

West sparks Cavs to 90-79 win (AP)

Before Delonte West headed to the locker room, Mo Williams grabbed his troubled teammate and pulled him close. Williams wanted West to hear something and whispered in his ear. "I told him, 'Stay with us'," Williams said. West scored 13 points -- all in the second half -- in his delayed season debut to spark Cleveland, Williams had 24, and LeBron James added an unselfish 14 as the...