HoopsHype.com Rumors

LeBron James stressed the importance of voting, especially for African-Americans and women. "It's an important time for everyone," James said. "It's important for young people to understand how important it is to vote, to have that right. There was a time where [African-Americans] didn't have the right to vote. There was a time that women, especially, didn't have the right to vote. It's your time. People should understand that and be responsible about it." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Politics 

Shane Battier was the consensus choice among the team for which player would likely pursue a career in politics after retiring. "[Battier] could do whatever he wanted to," James said. "He could be the mayor of Detroit or the governor of Michigan. He could go back down to Tobacco Road and do something down there, he could do that too. He's great with his words, and he's great with his knowledge." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Shane Battier, Politics 

David West: Dude on the elevator said: "You guys should vote for Romney You get to Keep more to Yourself".... Twitter @D_West30

Indiana Pacers, David West, Politics 

Tom Moore: Corrected: #Sixers Spencer Hawes is wearing a red, white and blue "Romney 2012" T-shirt after practice. Twitter @tmoorepburbs

Philadelphia 76ers, Spencer Hawes, Politics 

President Obama may have a better jump shot than his Republican rival for president, but N.B.A. owners seem more eager to offer Mitt Romney the bigger contract. Eight of the 10 N.B.A. owners who have made contributions to the candidates’ campaigns so far have donated to Mr. Romney’s campaign, for a total $49,000, according to a list published by the basketball website hoopshype.com. (The list includes only contributions to candidate’s campaigns and not “super PACs” or other committees.) New York Times

Politics 

The two owners who donated to Mr. Obama’s campaign, Ted Leonsis of the Washington Wizards and Johnny Bush of the Los Angeles Lakers, gave a total of only $6,100. New York Times

Politics 

NBA players and coaches love President Obama, but the owners love Mitt Romney. And they’re writing bigger checks. HoopsHype.com has compiled a great list of all the contributions to each presidential candidate by NBA players, coaches, staff and management. And despite Obama’s affinity with the NBA (and lover of the game), Romney has raised more from them. In total, NBAers have contributed $52,650 to Obama and $70,000 to Romney, thanks to the owners. Washington Post

Politics 

President Barack Obama is joining NBA legend Michael Jordan and an array of basketball stars to raise money for his re-election campaign later this month. The Obama campaign is planning a fundraising "shoot-around" and dinner in New York on Aug. 22 featuring several NBA stars, including Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and others. Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls, Obama’s favorite NBA team, and NBA Commissioner David Stern are co-hosting a $20,000-per person fundraising dinner with the president later in the day. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony, John Wall, Politics