L.A. Times - Basketball

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is no longer an afterthought

By Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:26:00 PDT

Considered a throw-in as part of the 2008 trade that brought his brother Pau to Lakers, Marc Gasol has become an elite center, leading Memphis' deep playoff run.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — He was the younger brother, a throw-in from the Pau Gasol trade, his name often appearing at the end of sentences describing what the Memphis Grizzlies received in exchange for their best player.

Indiana Pacers coach draws support despite Game 1 loss

By Christy Cabrera Chirinos, South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:15:00 PDT

Frank Vogel removed shot-blocker Roy Hibbert before Miami Heat's LeBron James made winning layup. 'I'm not second-guessing him,' Hibbert says.

MIAMI — A day after the surprising decision to keep his top shot-blocker on the bench in the final seconds of the Miami Heat's 103-102 overtime win in the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals, Indiana Pacers Coach Frank Vogel was trying Thursday to move his team forward.

Lakers' Kobe Bryant is named to his 11th All-NBA first team

By Eric Pincus — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:06:00 PDT

Bryant shares honor of most first-team selections in league history with Karl Malone. Clippers' Chris Paul is among players also chosen for the 2012-13 season.

Kobe Bryant was named to his 11th All-NBA first team Thursday, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul for the 2012-13 season.

Finding a great coach won't be easy

By Broderick Turner — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:18:00 PDT

There are many possibilities for Clippers' opening, but no guarantees they will get a championship from change.

The Clippers have begun their search for a new coach to replace Vinny Del Negro, with the hope that they can find someone who is capable of molding the team into a championship contender.

Miami Heat survive opener against Indiana Pacers in OT

By Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:32:00 PDT

LeBron James scores game-winning layup as the clock expires in overtime for 103-102 win.

MIAMI — Paul George seemingly had stolen the night.

Spurs, up 2-0 against Memphis, know series is still up for grabs

By Ben Bolch — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:52:00 PDT

San Antonio was up 2-0 against Oklahoma City in 2012 conference finals before the Thunder swept the next four games. Series goes to Memphis, where Grizzlies have won 19 of last 20.

Spurs hold on for 93-89 OT win over Grizzlies

By Ben Bolch — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:26:00 PDT

Tony Parker has 18 assists, including a key pass to Tim Duncan in overtime, to lead Spurs to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Cleveland Cavaliers beat odds, win No. 1 pick for June 27 draft

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Orlando Magic has the No. 2 pick, and the Washington Wizards are in the No. 3 spot.

NEW YORK — Nick Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers have beaten the NBA lottery odds again.

Clippers fire Coach Vinny Del Negro

By Broderick Turner — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Vinny Del Negro led the Clippers to their first Pacific Division title, but the team lost to Memphis in the playoffs. Possible replacements include Byron Scott and Brian Shaw.

Almost three weeks after the Clippers were knocked out of the Western Conference playoffs, the team decided to part ways with Coach Vinny Del Negro on Tuesday.

Do Chris Paul, Blake Griffin know best who should coach Clippers?

T.J. Simers — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:52:00 PDT

Owner Donald Sterling says Vinny Del Negro is a wonderful man and he's sad about the coach's dismissal, but he has to keep his players happy.

Why mess with success when you have known only defeat previously?