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 won't rule out a second homecoming in Cleveland.The NBA superstar, who earlier this month ended his second stint with the Cavaliers by signing a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, told The Associated Press on Monday there could be a day when he plays in his home state again.Asked if he could end his career in Cleveland, James says he doesn't "close the chapter on anything or close the book on anything."When James announced he was leaving the Cavs, Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert said the team would retire "the famous #23 Cavs jersey one day down the line."James says he didn't know about Gilbert's comment. But he says it's awesome.___More AP basketball: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks have waived Carmelo Anthony, making official the move that was expected when the 10-time All-Star was traded from Oklahoma City this month.The 34-year-old Anthony may now sign with another team as a free agent. He averaged 16.2 points with Oklahoma City this season.The Hawks acquired Anthony, a protected 2022 first-round draft pick from Oklahoma City and Justin Anderson from the Philadelphia 76ers in the three-team trade July 19.In that deal, the Hawks traded forward-center Mike Muscala to Philadelphia and point guard Dennis Schroder to Oklahoma City. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was traded from Philadelphia to Oklahoma City.___More AP basketball: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

MIAMI (AP) — Dwyane Wade's future remains a mystery.The Miami Heat guard wouldn't say Monday if he has decided whether to play this season, which would be his 16th in the NBA. His future has been the source of much speculation for several weeks, with retirement a possibility."In due time," Wade said. "Time will tell."Wade briefly addressed the issue while on a call promoting his role as an ambassador for the upcoming Jr. NBA World Championship that starts Aug. 7 in Orlando, Florida.Wade has become heavily involved in youth basketball in recent years, primarily because of his sponsorship of an AAU team and his son Zaire's involvement on elite-level squads."This is the purest form of basketball, to be able to be around kids at this age, before it becomes a business," Wade said.Heat President Pat Riley said last week the team will be patient while awaiting Wade's decision, with the hope of an answer by mid-August.Wade spent his first 13 seasons with Miami, then left for Chicago and eventually Cleveland before he was traded back to the Heat in February. Wade appeared in 26 regular-season and playoff games with Miami after the trade, all off the bench, averaging 12.9 points.He is averaging 22.5 points for his career, and was part of all three Heat championship teams in 2006, 2012 and 2013.

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James is leaving home again and leaving behind something he says is more meaningful than any of his NBA championships.James, who this month ended his second stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, has opened a public school for challenged children in his hometown.The NBA great admitted to having "jitters" before the opening, an event he said is "going to be one of the greatest moments — if not the greatest — of my life."The I Promise School initially will house 240 third- and fourth-graders. The Akron school will expand each year, adding second and fifth grades next year and will have students from grades 1-8 by 2022.James was to be at the school Monday to welcome students and make his first public comments since deciding to join the Lakers.James spent 11 seasons with the Cavs, winning a title in 2016 to end Cleveland's 52-year drought without a pro sports championship. His departure ended a four-year run with the Cavs after he... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Clint Capela has signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets.Capela, who was a restricted free agent, started a career-high 74 games last season in helping Houston reach the Western Conference finals.The 6-foot-10 center averaged 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks — all career-highs — last season. The 24-year-old had 42 double-doubles last season and Houston was 25-2 when he scored 15 or more points.Capela, who the Rockets drafted with the 25th pick in 2014, has steadily improved in his four NBA seasons and his development has helped him become a key piece of this team led by James Harden, who won his first MVP award last month.The deal was first reported by ESPN.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — When it comes to Dwyane Wade, it's clear that the Miami Heat want him back and they're willing to be patient while he figures out his plan.What's unclear is this: How much they'll have to pay.Heat President Pat Riley said Friday that he will have talks with managing general partner Micky Arison in the coming days about Wade's future. Realistically, there's only two contract options for Miami to present Wade — the $5.3 million exception, or the $2.4 million veteran minimum. The potential luxury tax implications Miami could face next year would rise in either case, and that's what the Heat are trying to avoid."That's the abyss that we all deal with in the NBA," Riley said.Riley said Miami has had talks with Wade and his agent Leon Rose over the summer, though no real detail about those conversations has been revealed by either side.Wade said at the end of last season that he wasn't certain about playing for a 16th NBA season in 2018-19, and hasn't offered anything in the... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James tells a gathering of athletes and entertainers that he regrets naming his oldest son after him in a new HBO show.Set in a barbershop, "The Shop" debuts Aug. 28 featuring James leading conversation and debate among his guests.The first episode features rapper Snoop Dogg, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, comedian Jon Stewart and Maverick Carter, James' producing partner.In the debut, Stewart asks James about the challenge of having his sons play the same sport he does, including LeBron James Jr."I still regret giving my 14-year-old my name because of that," James said. "When I was younger I didn't have a dad, so my whole thing was like whenever I have a kid not only is it going to be a junior, I'm going to do everything that this man didn't do. They're going to experience things that I didn't experience. The only thing I can do is give them the blueprint and it's up to them to take their own course."The show will visit barbershops around the country and air periodically throughout the year.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Jimmy Butler has undergone minor surgery on his right hand.The Timberwolves announced Thursday that Butler had the elective procedure on Tuesday. The team said Butler has already returned to offseason activities.Butler, who missed 21 games last season with an injury to his right knee, averaged 22.2 points per game for the Timberwolves after arriving in a trade with Chicago. He helped lead the Wolves to their first postseason appearance since 2004. Butler can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after the upcoming season.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

ATLANTA (AP) — Veteran Vince Carter is the latest addition to the new-look Atlanta Hawks.The 41-year-old Carter has agreed to a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Hawks, said a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.Carter was given the veteran's minimum deal to provide veteran leadership on a rebuilding Atlanta squad entering its first season with coach Lloyd Pierce.Carter, the NBA's oldest player, averaged 5.4 points and only 17.7 minutes per game while starting only five games last season with Sacramento.He will be entering his 21st season with his eighth team. He is an eight-time All-Star and has averaged 17.7 points for his career.Carter was named Rookie of the Year with Toronto in 1999. Following eight seasons with the Raptors, he was traded to New Jersey in 2004 and also has played for Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis and the Kings.Carter joins an Atlanta roster... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says veteran Vince Carter has agreed to a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks.The person spoke to The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.The 41-year-old Carter was given the veteran's minimum deal to provide veteran leadership on a rebuilding Atlanta squad entering its first season with coach Lloyd Pierce.Carter averaged 5.4 points and only 17.7 minutes per game while starting only five games last season with Sacramento.He will be entering his 21st season with his eighth team. He is an eight-time All-Star and has averaged 17.7 points for his career.Carter was named Rookie of the Year with Toronto in 1999. Following eight seasons with the Raptors, he was traded to New Jersey in 2004 and also has played for Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis and the Kings.___More AP basketball: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets have agreed to a multiyear deal with point guard Monte Morris.The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Morris was the 51st pick of the Nuggets in 2017 and spent a bulk of the season playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League. He averaged 17.8 points and 6.5 assists.Morris recently suited up in four games for the Nuggets in the Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 assists.The 23-year-old Morris appeared in 140 games while at Iowa State and made the All-Big 12 first-team squad his senior season. Morris had a 5.17 assist-to-turnover ratio in his final season.He will be contending for minutes behind Jamal Murray and the recently signed Isaiah Thomas.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tags/NBAbasketball

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Clippers have re-signed free-agent forward Montrezl Harrell.He averaged 11 points and 4 rebounds in 76 games last season, while shooting 63 percent from the floor.The Clippers acquired Harrell in June 2017 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent All-Star guard Chris Paul to Houston.Harrell spent most of last season backing up All-Star center DeAndre Jordan, who left this summer for Dallas as a free agent. That should lead to a bigger role for Harrell in a rotation that has newcomer Marcin Gortat and Boban Marjanovic at center.Harrell played his first two seasons with the Rockets, who drafted him 32nd overall out of Louisville in 2015.Terms of the deal announced Tuesday were not disclosed.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Kevin Love signed his new contract and proudly put on a hard hat.The Cleveland Cavaliers will rebuild around him.The All-Star forward made a long-term commitment to the franchise on Tuesday by signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the Cavaliers, who believe Love can help them stay competitive following LeBron James' departure.The 29-year-old Love, who was nearly traded twice by Cleveland, signed the extension in front of dozens of construction workers inside Quicken Loans Arena, the team's downtown home, which is undergoing a $140 million renovation not unlike the makeover taking place with the four-time defending Eastern Conference champions.The symbolic moment wasn't lost on Love, who came to Cleveland four years ago to join James and Kyrie Irving and form the Cavs' "Big 3."It's now his team."I look back, everything happens for a reason," Love said. "My best friend from back home said, 'It always works out.' This is where I wanted to be. I've said... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kevin Love isn't leaving Cleveland anytime soon.The All-Star forward signed a new four-year, $120 million contract with the Cavaliers, who are beginning anew following LeBron James' departure.Love signed the extension Tuesday and immediately posted a photo on Instagram showing himself surrounded by construction workers inside Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavaliers' downtown home, which is undergoing a renovation similar to the one taking place with the four-time defending Eastern Conference champions."When I first came to Cleveland, I came with a long-term mindset," said Love, who joined the team in 2014 after six seasons in Minnesota. "I came here to win. We developed a culture here that reflects that. I'm super excited and I couldn't be happier. It's a big commitment for me and it's a big commitment from the Cavaliers, so I want to thank (owner) Dan Gilbert, (general manager) Koby Altman and the entire organization."I enjoy playing here, I'm excited about the team that we... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kevin Love isn't leaving Cleveland anytime soon.The All-Star forward signed a new four-year, $120 million contract with the Cavaliers, who are beginning anew following LeBron James' departure.Love signed the extension Tuesday and immediately posted a photo on Instagram showing himself surrounded by construction workers inside Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavaliers' downtown home, which is undergoing a renovation similar to the one taking place with the four-time defending Eastern Conference champions."When I first came to Cleveland, I came with a long-term mindset," said Love, who joined the team in 2014 after six seasons in Minnesota. "I came here to win. We developed a culture here that reflects that. I'm super excited and I couldn't be happier. It's a big commitment for me and it's a big commitment from the Cavaliers, so I want to thank (owner) Dan Gilbert, (general manager) Koby Altman and the entire organization."I enjoy playing here, I'm excited about the team that we... [More]

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks have acquired the rights to forward Maarty Leunen and cash from the Los Angeles Clippers for two-way forward Johnathan Motley and the rights to guard Renaldas Seibutis.Leunen has spent the past 10 seasons playing professionally in Turkey, Italy and Germany, most recently with Italy's S.S. Felice Scandone. A native of Washington state, Leunen was drafted by Houston in the second round out of Oregon 10 years ago. His rights were traded to the Clippers in 2016.Motley signed a two-way contract with Dallas after going undrafted out of Baylor last year. He appeared in 11 games as a rookie, averaging 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds.Seibutis was a second-round pick by the Mavericks in 2007. The Lithuanian has been playing professionally overseas for 16 years. Seibutis spent this past season with Spain's Basket Zaragoza.Dallas also signed guard-forward Ding Yanyuhang, who has played professionally in China for seven years. Ding was with the Mavericks during the summer league last year.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tags/NBAbasketball

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]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dwight Howard brought the charm to his introductory news conference with the Wizards on Monday. The eight-time All-Star has lots of experience in such situations. The center now playing for his fourth team in four seasons said Washington would be his last stop.The three-time defensive player of the year is joining a Wizards team that includes All-Star guards John Wall and Bradley Beal, but he is coming off a frustrating season that ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Raptors.Frustration is nothing new to the 6-foot-11 Howard. He's gone from taking the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals to joining six teams since leaving Orlando in 2012.Washington and Howard agreed this month to a two-year, $11 million contract with a player option for the 2019-20 season.Howard became available after the Nets bought out his contract following a trade with the Hornets this offseason for a return of Timofey Mozgov's contract and a pair of second-round picks. Howard averaged 16.6 points... [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