HoopsHype.com Rumors

Chris Paul looked destined to be traded to Los Angeles for the third time in four days on Sunday night, when the Los Angeles Times reported a deal that would send the New Orleans point guard to the Clippers was in the final stages of completion. The first two failed attempts would have sent Paul to the Lakers, but NBA commissioner and de facto Hornets owner David Stern vetoed the first proposal and the Lakers backed out of the second when they failed to reach the league's requests in a revised deal. SI.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Trade, Chris Paul, Los Angeles, David Stern 

The Chris Paul circus began anew on Sunday, when two sources confirmed an ESPN.com report that the Hornets and Clippers have re-engaged in trade discussions for the four-time All-Star point guard. While Paul had long hoped he could wind up with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York, sources close to Paul have previously told SI.com that Los Angeles -- either with the Clippers or Lakers -- would be desirable as a long-term landing spot, as well. Because Paul can become a free agent next summer, teams are looking for some assurance that he would eventually commit beyond this season. SI.com

Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Free Agency, Trade, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles, New York 

The Los Angeles Lakers, sources said, also remain in the Paul hunt even though they also continue to be regarded as the top trade suitor for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. The Lakers' intent to chase both superstars generated considerable skepticism from rival teams, given that center Andrew Bynum ranks as the Lakers' only highly coveted young trade asset. But one source told ESPN.com late Tuesday that the Hornets have not yet ruled out accepting a trade package headlined by Pau Gasol. That would theoretically free up L.A. to build an offer for Howard around Bynum and a package for Paul around Gasol, although it remains unclear how the Lakers could make two separate offers sufficiently attractive to pull off what would rank as perhaps the most star-studded trade haul in league history. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic, Trade, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles, Dwight Howard 

Caron Butler, one of the most pursued small forwards in this year’s free-agent class, privately considers the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls as his two most preferred destinations, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Butler is most attracted to the Bulls because of the chance to play with Derrick Rose(notes) and compete for a title, but he would have to take significantly less money to play in Chicago. The Bulls have a stronger need for a shooting guard and could ultimately spend their money there. Ultimately, that leaves the Clippers with an edge over the New Jersey Nets among the suitors with the most significant cap space and a need for a starting small forward. Yahoo! Sports

Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles, Derrick Rose, Caron Butler, New Jersey 

Meanwhile, if the lockout persists into the new year and threatens a full playoff schedule, the NBA's broadcast partners, including ABC/ESPN and TNT, could suffer substantial financial losses as well. Advertisers reportedly spent $807 million on NBA broadcasts last season, though most lucrative advertising occurs during the playoffs. The complete list of players who stand to lost the most follows: 1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, $1.9 million per paycheck 2. Rashard Lewis, Washington Wizards, $1.7 million 3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs, $1.638 million 4. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics, $1.630 million 5. Gilbert Arenas, Orlando Magic, $1.48 million 6. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks, $1.47 million 7. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers, $1.44 million 8. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks, $1.42 million 9. Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks, $1.40 million 10. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks, $1.39 million. The Hollywood Reporter

Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki, Joe Johnson, Gilbert Arenas, Los Angeles, Rashard Lewis, Lockout, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett 

Land O'Lakers: You mentioned your relationship with Pierce. How far back does it go, and where did it start? Baron Davis: Man, I've been knowing Paul since I was nine years old. Land O'Lakers: Where did you guys meet? BD: At the Inglewood YMCA. I want to say I played fifth or sixth graders, and he was playing with like seventh, eighth, and nine. Andre Miller played in the league, too. I'll never forget, it was after the game, we won, and I went and bought a snack. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul Pierce, Los Angeles, Baron Davis 

Then this dude just walked up, and he was like "Give me some of that!" I was like, "What?" And it was Paul. He was like, "Hey man, give me some of that food, man." Then he snatched it out of my hand. I was like, "Ummm . . . Okay." I had seen him play the weekend before, and I was like "Alright, dude! I get to hang out with Paul Pierce!" But from that point, we were playing on the same AAU team. I was the young point guard, but Paul was always one of the best players -- he was the best player on the team. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul Pierce, Los Angeles, Baron Davis 

Land O'Lakers: Brandon Jennings in this series described you as "The Godfather of L.A. Basketball." What does that mean to you? BD: That's the highest compliment I could ever receive, especially coming from him. It's definitely humbling. But the whole "godfather" thing, it's not so much a godfather, I'm their big brother. When I went to the NBA, from Brandon to Pooh Jeter, to Bobby Brown, Trevor Ariza, Craig Smith -- ask any of them dudes. I was always around and available for them. And they were with me. So everybody, no matter what I was doing, I was doing it so they could see it. So they could have it. Come watch me play. Let's go somewhere. I wanted them to see everything that I was doing, so it would be something they knew that they could get to. This next generation of LA basketball is so exciting to see, you know what I mean? It's so exciting to see what's on the horizon for them. Now, we're finally starting to get our respect in the NBA. ESPN.com

Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Brandon Jennings, Los Angeles, Baron Davis 

Iverson is working with the Justice Entertainment Group on the four-team Las Vegas Superstar Challenge slated for Nov. 12-13 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Iverson, who signed a contract with the Griz for the 2009-10 season, will announce the event Wednesday in Las Vegas. Confirmed players include: Amare Stoudemire (New York Knicks), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings), Lou Williams (Philadelphia 76ers), Hakim Warrick (Phoenix Suns), Chauncey Billups (New York Knicks), Al Harrington (Denver Nuggets), Stephen Jackson (Golden State Warriors), Monte Ellis (Golden State Warriors), Corey Maggette (Charlotte Bobcats), Matt Barnes (Los Angeles Lakers), David Lee (Golden State Warriors), James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ryan Hollins (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kemba Walker (Charlotte Bobcats), Derrick Williams (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Marcus Morris (Houston Rockets). Memphis Commercial Appeal

Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Paul Pierce, Amare Stoudemire, Corey Maggette, Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson, Los Angeles, David Lee, Matt Barnes, Chauncey Billups, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, Hakim Warrick, James Harden, Lockout, Las Vegas, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Hollins, New York, Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Marcus Morris 

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Darvin Ham to join new coach Mike Brown's staff, the team announced Monday. "I'm very happy to have Darvin join our coaching staff," Brown said in a statement released by the team. "I've known Darvin since his rookie year in Denver and have watched him make the transition from player to coach. He has put in the hard work that is necessary to have success at this level and I look forward to having him on our staff." ESPN.com

Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles, Mike Brown, Darvin Ham 

Teams often have shootarounds one after the other on the same court. That’s not always a good idea. The day of the 1997-98 opener at the Forum, Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal greeted Utah center Greg Ostertag with a slap between shootarounds. Ostertag, who was knocked to the floor, had noted earlier he believed Shaq could be stopped. He wasn’t that time. Three years later, Toronto forward Charles Oakley punched Los Angeles Clippers guard Jeff McInnis between shootarounds. The dispute, which legend has it was over a woman, led to Oakley being suspended for three games without pay and fined $15,000. Later in the 2000-01 season, Oakley was suspended for one game and fined $10,000 for hitting Philadelphia forward Tyrone Hill in the head with a basketball between shootarounds. That apparently was for Hill failing to pay him for a gambling debt. FOXSports Florida

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles, Charles Oakley 

Alex Kennedy: The NBPA has officially postponed tomorrow's regional meeting in Los Angeles so that the two sides can meet again in New York. Twitter

New York Knicks, Los Angeles, New York 

After scrapping plans for a Drew League-Goodman League rematch, Commissioner Oris "Dino" Smiley said he will meet with AEG officials Wednesday to discuss a possible Drew League All-Star game taking place on a grandstand court at L.A. Live. Though he asked for more information about the meeting, AEG spokesman Michael Roth didn't return multiple phone calls and emails Tuesday seeking comment. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles, Lockout, Drew League, Goodman League 

Unfortunately, those hoping for a rematch are going to be disappointed. A proposed second game, by some reports set for Sept. 10th at an undetermined venue in Los Angeles, is off as officials between the two leagues were unable to solve the logistical problems required to stage a sequel. "It's disappointing," said Drew League commissioner Dino Smiley, "because the original plan was to do the game out in D.C., then for the Goodman team to return to L.A. for the second one." ESPN.com

Los Angeles, Drew League 

Artest said he remains interested in playing for the Cheshire Jets of the Britain Basketball League, but won’t make an official decision until after Nov. 22, provided the lockout hasn’t ended. Artest’s agent recently told the Los Angeles Times that the Jets have yet to offer Artest insurance to play. “I’m definitely going if I’m not playing [in the NBA],” Artest said. “…It’s pro basketball. It’s going to be fun. Small gym – I want to go somewhere nice and small. I’ve had other opportunities to make more money in other places, but I want to play in a small area.” Yahoo! Sports

Ron Artest, Los Angeles, Lockout, Cheshire Jets 

Chris Palmer: Rumor that Kobe will play in Drew vs. Goodman showdown on Saturday. Likely just a ploy to generate buzz for the game. Working. Twitter

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles, Drew League, Goodman League 

Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea recently told Primera Hora's Raul Alzaga that even though he would like to return to Dallas, he'd be open to playing in Miami, Los Angeles or New York. Barea averaged 10.2 points per game during the NBA Finals, helping the Mavs oust the Miami Heat in six games. Dallas Morning News

Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Free Agency, Los Angeles, Jose Juan Barea 

It starts at No. 2, where the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to listen to offers for their pick. Although they continue to maintain that they are comfortable taking Derrick Williams at No. 2, their preference is to begin adding veterans to the team. If they draft Williams, they'll look to move Michael Beasley and possibly Anthony Randolph. But neither player has the same trade value that the No. 2 pick has. Potential trade partners include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN.com

Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Draft, Trade, Anthony Randolph, Michael Beasley, Los Angeles, New York, Derrick Williams 

Despite posting the second-best regular-season record in the NBA in the past season, the wise guys in Vegas don’t have much early respect for the Spurs heading into the upcoming 2012 season. The Spurs are listed as a 20-to-1 choice to win the title next season, according to early odds posted by the online betting website Bodog.com. It ranks seventh among all NBA teams. (Hat tip to Ben Maller.com) Miami at 5-to-2 is the early favorite. The Los Angeles Lakers are listed at 11-to-2. Chicago is at 6-to-1. Oklahoma City is 8-to-1. Defending World Champion Dallas is 10-to-1 and Boston is 12-to-1. San Antonio Express-News

Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles 

T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards' John Wall, the overall No. 1 selection in the 2010 NBA Draft, headline the 2010-11 T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First Team, the NBA announced today. Griffin was the lone unanimous selection. Joining Griffin (58 points) and Wall (57 points) on the T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First Team are New York's Landry Fields (56 points), Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins (54 points), and San Antonio's Gary Neal (44). NBA.com

Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Los Angeles, Landry Fields, Gary Neal, Marcus Cousin, New York