AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James stood on a stage near one of the streets he walked as a troubled kid and looked out at thousands of faces. He felt connected to every one of them.While his 3-year-old daughter, Zhuri, played at his feet, James watched as his mother, Gloria, raised a flag in front of a school that is perhaps his greatest triumph.His incredible life. Full circle.Before leaving for Los Angeles, James gave his hometown quite a gift.James, who ended his second stint with Cleveland earlier this month by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, on Monday opened his I Promise School, a year-around learning center devoted to some of the city's most challenged youngsters — ones just like him.For James, who recalled missing 82 days of school as a fourth grader while he and his mom "looked for stability," the opening culminated years of planning by his family foundation."This means everything," James told The Associated Press in an interview before the public event. "I think this is the... [More]

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James stood on a stage near one of the streets he walked as a troubled kid and looked out at thousands of faces. He felt connected to every one of them.While his 3-year-old daughter, Zhuri, played at his feet, James watched as his mother, Gloria, raised a flag in front of a school that is perhaps his greatest triumph.His incredible life. Full circle.Before leaving for Los Angeles, James gave his hometown quite a gift.James, who ended his second stint with Cleveland earlier this month by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, on Monday opened his I Promise School, a year-around learning center devoted to some of the city's most challenged youngsters — ones just like him.For James, who recalled missing 82 days of school as a fourth grader while he and his mom "looked for stability," the opening culminated years of planning by his family foundation."This means everything," James told The Associated Press in an interview before the public event. "I think this is the... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Beasley thinks the basketball world is foolish to assume the Los Angeles Lakers' revamped locker room will be combustible before the fuse is even lit.The Lakers announced their signing of Beasley to a one-year contract Monday, adding the versatile forward to their new core of veterans around LeBron James.Beasley, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee have all joined Los Angeles this month in a slate of provocative offseason signings to supplement its talented youngsters and James, who started the parade to the West Coast when he left Cleveland for the 16-time NBA champions in free agency.All four of these well-known, well-traveled veterans around James have varying degrees of colorful histories in their previous NBA stops, prompting widespread speculation in the media and around the league about how coach Luke Walton will manage his roster. They've already attracted an immediate online nickname — "The Meme Team" — while other pundits have compared them... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Michael Beasley to a one-year contract, adding the veteran forward to their revamped core around LeBron James.The Lakers announced the deal Monday.Beasley averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last year in a productive season with the New York Knicks, his sixth NBA franchise in 10 years in the league.The former No. 2 overall pick was James' teammate during the 2013-14 season with the Miami Heat.Beasley joins Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee in Los Angeles' offseason signings around James, who left Cleveland for the Lakers in free agency. Beasley's 6-foot-9 ranginess and versatility fit the stated desire of Lakers boss Magic Johnson for resourceful, multitalented veterans rather than role players.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/tags/NBAbasketball

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Free agent forward Jonas Jerebko has signed with the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors.The Warriors announced the deal Thursday and planned to formally introduce Jerebko on Monday.A native of Sweden, Jerebko has played nine NBA seasons with Utah, Boston and Detroit. In 32 postseason games — four starts — for the Jazz and Celtics, he has averaged 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds.Golden State had already added center DeMarcus Cousins in free agency and re-signed two-time reigning finals MVP Kevin Durant and forward/center Kevon Looney after winning a second straight title and third in four years. Centers JaVale McGee (Lakers) and Zaza Pachulia (Pistons) have departed.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Rob Pelinka says the Los Angeles Lakers aren't trying to beat the Golden State Warriors at their own game.Instead, they're building a team around LeBron James to do something different.Pelinka spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since the Lakers' remarkable offseason overhaul began, and the irrepressibly optimistic former agent radiated excitement about the future for a team that hasn't made the playoffs in five seasons."To get the commitment from LeBron James to come to the Lakers for four years was really the culmination of everything we've been working towards," Pelinka said. "When LeBron chose to come here, it was the ultimate validation for the moves we've made and what we've been building since we started."The longest postseason drought in franchise history could be finished after James chose the Lakers in free agency. The club also added veterans Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson alongside their young core while parting ways with Julius... [More]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Lance Stephenson always felt his famed rivalry with LeBron James was rooted in mutual respect.When James called Stephenson last week to pitch him on teaming up with the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephenson's feelings were confirmed — and he quickly accepted the invitation.The Lakers formally announced the signings of Stephenson, center JaVale McGee and second-round draft pick Svi Mykhailiuk on Tuesday.Coming off a productive season in his latest stint with the Indiana Pacers, Stephenson agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal to join James, McGee and Rajon Rondo in the Lakers' influx of veteran talent.Stephenson has been one of James' most famed antagonists during their careers, and even Stephenson is surprised they've become teammates. But it only took a phone call from LeBron to persuade Stephenson to join the Lakers."I was actually surprised he made the move to LA," Stephenson said. "I guess he needed a new look, and I just feel like him reaching out and showing he... [More]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran Lance Stephenson and second-round pick Svi Mykhailiuk.The Lakers announced the deals Tuesday.Stephenson agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal to join LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee in the Lakers' influx of veteran talent.Stephenson appeared in all 82 games for Indiana last season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. The Lakers are his seventh NBA franchise entering his ninth season.The Lakers chose Mykhailiuk with the 47th overall pick in last month's draft. The Ukrainian shooter averaged 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for Kansas last season while setting the Jayhawks' single-season record with 115 3-pointers.Mykhailiuk has been impressive early in Las Vegas summer league play.___More AP NBA: www.apnews.com/tags/NBAbasketball

LOS ANGELES (AP) — It's official. LeBron is a Laker.The Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of LeBron James as a free agent Monday night, confirming the seismic shift created by the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player's decision to leave Cleveland for the 16-time champion franchise on the West Coast.James' representatives at Klutch Sports Group tweeted a photo of James signing his contract with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. James' agency already announced last week that the superstar had agreed to a four-year deal worth $153.3 million with Los Angeles.The Lakers have missed the playoffs in a franchise-record five consecutive seasons, while James has played in the past eight NBA Finals with the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning three titles.The 33-year-old budding entertainment mogul immediately becomes the focus of the Lakers franchise and a possible foundation for the NBA's next superteam, depending on whether James and the Lakers can persuade more superstars to... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Rajon Rondo officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday with a clear idea about his future with LeBron James."We're expected to win now," Rondo said.Rondo agreed to a one-year deal worth $9 million earlier this week to suit up alongside James, whose signing hasn't yet been announced by the Lakers.The veteran point guard is eager to be a mentor to Lonzo Ball, and he sees a chance for immediate success with the thoroughly revamped club. The Lakers haven't made the playoffs for a franchise-record five consecutive seasons, but Rondo believes they'll make immediate strides back toward contention for a 17th NBA championship."You put any group of players around LeBron James, as he has done (eight) straight times, he went to the finals," Rondo said. "So my expectations are the exact same thing. Even with the Warriors adding (DeMarcus Cousins) and the Rockets being who they are, I think we fit right up there in the mix. It is early, obviously, and I'm not promising anything,... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors will be much younger next season, and general manager Bob Myers is working to keep much of the core intact to chase another championship.Versatile big man Kevon Looney will re-sign with the two-time defending champions on a one-year deal for the minimum, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement said Tuesday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Looney's new deal cannot become official until he signs after the moratorium period is lifted Friday.Golden State already reached agreement with two-time reigning NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant on a two-year contract with a player option.Bringing back Looney, a power forward and center, was a top priority for Myers, who also hopes to re-sign guard Patrick McCaw.Looney lost about 30 pounds last offseason to transform his body, make himself faster and give him a regular spot in coach Steve Kerr's rotation, even earning starts in five postseason games during the absence of Andre Iguodala.In his third professional season, the 22-year-old Looney averaged 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game.While the Warriors lost center JaVale McGee to the Lakers, they added DeMarcus Cousins on Monday to give Golden State five potential All-Star starters once Cousins returns from a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery.ESPN first reported Looney's agreement.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors will be younger next season, and general manager Bob Myers is working to keep much of the core intact to chase another championship.Versatile big man Kevon Looney will re-sign with the two-time defending champions, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement said Tuesday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Looney's new deal cannot become official until he signs after the moratorium period is lifted Friday.Golden State already reached agreement with two-time reigning NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant on a two-year contract with a player option.Bringing back Looney, a power forward and center, was a top priority for Myers, who also hopes to re-sign guard Patrick McCaw.Looney lost about 30 pounds last offseason to transform his body, make himself faster and give him a regular spot in coach Steve Kerr's rotation, even earning starts in five postseason games during the absence of Andre Iguodala.In his third professional season, the 22-year-old Looney averaged 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game.While the Warriors lost center JaVale McGee to the Lakers, they added DeMarcus Cousins on Monday to give Golden State five potential All-Star starters once Cousins returns from a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the agreement says versatile big man Kevon Looney will re-sign with the Golden State Warriors.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because Looney's deal cannot become official until he signs after the moratorium period is lifted Friday.Bringing back Looney, a power forward and center, was a top priority for general manager Bob Myers to keep the young core of the two-time defending NBA champions together.Looney lost about 30 pounds last offseason to transform his body, make himself faster and give him a regular spot in coach Steve Kerr's rotation, even earning starts in five postseason games during the absence of Andre Iguodala.While the Warriors lost center JaVale McGee to the Lakers, they added DeMarcus Cousins on Monday to give Golden State five potential All-Star starters once Cousins returns from a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — As he has long desired, DeMarcus Cousins will finally get a chance to play for a winner once he's healthy from a torn left Achilles tendon.When Boogie returns to the court this season, the volatile big man will give the Golden State Warriors five 2018 All-Stars in their starting lineup to chase another title — with Cousins trying for his first after never appearing in the playoffs. The center, who has had his problems with technical fouls, will sign with the two-time defending champions after the moratorium period is lifted Friday, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract is yet to be completed.Cousins is set to join a starting lineup of two-time MVP Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, who is fresh off his second straight NBA Finals MVP, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green."The 3rd splash Brother," Curry posted on Twitter with a series of happy crying emojis. "Let's... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — As he has long desired, DeMarcus Cousins will finally get a chance to play for a winner once he's healthy from a torn left Achilles tendon.When Boogie returns to the court this season, the volatile big man will give the Golden State Warriors five 2018 All-Stars in their starting lineup to chase another title — with Cousins trying for his first after never appearing in the playoffs. The center, who has had his problems with technical fouls, will sign with the two-time defending champions after the moratorium period is lifted Friday, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Monday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract is yet to be completed.Cousins is set to join a starting lineup of two-time MVP Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, fresh off his second straight NBA Finals MVP, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green."The 3rd splash Brother," Curry posted on Twitter with a series of happy crying emojis. "Let's go @boogiecousins."Cousins'... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — From George Mikan to Kobe Bryant, superstars have been the Lakers' lifeblood for decades.LeBron James is already the biggest star of his generation, and he followed a familiar path to Los Angeles' bright lights when he decided to sign with the Lakers as a free agent.It's no coincidence that this glamorous, 16-time champion franchise has consistently attracted already great players with outsized ambition. The 33-year-old James has taken on the challenge that Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal all accepted near the primes of their careers.Becoming a basketball superstar is one thing, and nobody is bigger than James after 15 prolific NBA seasons and three championships. Succeeding with the Lakers is something different, according to many of the men who have worn this gold jersey.Just ask Bryant, who won two Olympic gold medals as James' teammate while spending his entire 20-year career with the Lakers."The NBA does better when the Lakers are at their... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — For the second straight year, throngs of Golden State Warriors fans turned out for a victory parade to celebrate a team some are calling an NBA dynasty and got a treat when several players got off their buses to mingle with the crowd.Hundreds of thousands of fans in gold and blue and holding signs that read "Dynasty" and "Back to Back Champions" waved from behind barriers set up along the route in downtown Oakland, California, as the Warriors rode by in the open, double-decker buses Tuesday.Stephen Curry, NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant and the rest of the Warriors, who won their third title in four years last week, took turns raising the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the roaring crowd, which officials said could reach up to 1 million fans.Officials had promised an "interactive" parade with some fans able to ask the players questions and giant TV screens for the crowd to see them and hear their answers as the moved along the route. But there were no screens and when Klay Thompson... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — For the second straight year, throngs of Golden State Warriors fans turned out for a victory parade to celebrate a team some are calling an NBA dynasty and got a treat when several players got off their buses to mingle with the crowd.Hundreds of thousands of fans in gold and blue and holding signs that read "Dynasty" and "Back to Back Champions" waved from behind barriers set up along the route in downtown Oakland, California, as the Warriors rode by in the open, double-decker buses Tuesday.Stephen Curry, NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant and the rest of the Warriors, who won their third title in four years last week, took turns raising the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the roaring crowd, which officials said could reach up to 1 million fans.Officials had promised an "interactive" parade with some fans able to ask the players questions and giant TV screens for the crowd to see them and hear their answers as the moved along the route. But there were no screens and when Klay Thompson... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — For the second straight year, throngs of Golden State Warriors fans turned out for a victory parade to celebrate a team some are calling an NBA dynasty and got a treat when several players got off their buses to mingle with the crowd.Hundreds of thousands of fans in gold and blue and holding signs that read "Dynasty" and "Back to Back Champions" waved from behind barriers set up along the route in downtown Oakland, California, as the Warriors rode by in the open, double-decker buses Tuesday.Stephen Curry, NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant and the rest of the Warriors, who won their third title in four years last week, took turns raising the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the roaring crowd, which officials said could reach up to 1 million fans.Officials had promised an "interactive" parade with some fans able to ask the players questions and giant TV screens for the crowd to see them and hear their answers as the moved along the route. But there were no screens and when Klay Thompson... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on the parade for the Golden State Warriors (all times local):1:20 p.m.Golden State Warriors players got off their buses to sign autographs and high-five fans and even posed for photographs holding brooms during their championship parade in Oakland.JaVale McGee, Nick Young and Jordan Bell ran along the barriers holding the crowd back and mingled with fans and even hugged some of them.Even coach Steve Kerr joined in on the fun and walked up to crowd to sign autographs during the team's victory parade Tuesday.McGee, who was wearing only shorts, said, "I'm just excited to be here with these guys. Our fans are amazing! All the love that they show is just beautiful."Young, also just in shorts during a very warm afternoon, swept the ground with a broom as dozens of fans held up their phones to take his picture.___12:15 p.m.Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has gotten off the double-decker bus to the cheers of the crowd.Curry is holding the Larry O'Brien... [More]