LeBron James told ESPN's Chris Sheridan that winning a championship is more important to him than signing a maximum contract.

James will famously hit the free agent market after the season.

"I think at the end of the day, a max deal or anything like that doesn't really matter to me at the end of the day. It's all about winning for me," James said.

"So I've put myself in a position that when that day comes next summer, I want to win, and if I feel like the team is capable of winning, I'll make my decision like that."

If LeBron considers signing with a team for less than a maximum contract, as unlikely as it may seem, the 2010 offseason could change drastically.

The Cavaliers can offer James the most money, roughly $120 million over six years.

The Knicks and Nets also have the cap room to offer him the largest deal possible, which would be a little less than $100 million over five years. [READ]

LeBron James and the Cavaliers will travel to New York for their only appearance of the 2009-10 season, which has special significance due to the Knicks' blatant pursuit of him.

"I've thought about playing everywhere,” James said prior to Thursday’s loss against Chicago. “At one point in my life, I've thought about playing every team in the NBA."

When asked what he might tell the New York media before Friday’s game, James said: "There will be a lot of intensity, the fact that we only play there once. July 1 is right around the corner, so it will be exciting. I'm looking forward to winning an NBA championship here. It is going to be a long season and I can't think about what is going to happen July 1 or after that or what I'm going to do. We'll see what happens, I've never given any indication I'll leave Cleveland or be somewhere else. It doesn't matter where I'll be, I'm good enough to help a team win basketball games.”

James did admit that the league would be better off if the Knicks were a contending team.

"You look at history. It is like the Yankees. The big time franchises that have a lot of history, it is hard for the fans to look at what they've been looking at the last few years,” he said. “Because they know the history of what has gone into the Garden. So I can understand that as a fan and I know because I know the history of the game. I think the league is doing just fine, but with the Knicks being good, the Celtics being good, the Lakers being good, it makes the league that much better. I'm talking as a fan now, please understand.” [READ]

Allen Iverson still believes that he should be a starter in Memphis.

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins disagrees, but the bigger problem might be that the two don't have open lines of communication.

"I think that's probably the worst part of all this," Iverson told the Associated Press. "That while all this is going on, we have never talked to each other. That's probably why it's at this point right now. We've just never had a conversation, so it's probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we've never even talked to each other. Obviously that's what you do if you're trying to accomplish the same goal."

Iverson wants to start and even insisted that no one told him the Grizzlies would be rebuilding. The team won just 28 games last season.

"I'm not trying to figure out how to contribute to no team," Iverson said. "I contribute to a team by just playing. That's it. I don't have to figure it out. Obviously, they signed me for a reason. They've been watching me play this game for 13 years, and they know what I do on the basketball court, so I don't have to figure out how I'm going to play or anything like that. I just go out and play basketball." [READ]

Spurs point guard Tony Parker expects to miss a week of action after spraining his ankle on Friday night.

Parker insists that the sprain isn't as bad as some that he has suffered in his career.

He missed nine games last season after spraining the same ankle.

"This one is not even close," Parker told the San Antonio Express-News. "It will be a week, maybe." [READ]

The Lakers and Kobe Bryant both expect to come to terms on a contract extension.

Bryant announced his intention to sign an extension with the team more than four months ago, but nothing appears imminent.

Sources told Yahoo! Sports that the two sides continue to talk, but neither wants to put a firm deadline on the negotiations.

Bryant will make $24.8 million next season, but can opt out of the final year of his deal to hit the free agent market in 2010.

He is eligible to sign a three-year extension that could pay him more than $90 million. [READ]

The Nuggets suffered their first loss of the season on Friday night and lost forward Kenyon Martin in the process.

Martin suffered a lower left leg contusion in the second quarter and didn't return to the game.

X-rays taken at halftime were inconclusive and he will undergo an MRI on Saturday.

"The feeling I got is, it might be a week or two weeks, but it won't be the whole year," coach George Karl told the Denver Post. [READ]

Philadelphia forward Elton Brand is content with his role.

Brand played only 19 minutes on Friday night, fewer than far less heralded teammate Willie Green.

His minutes have been limited in the second half of games this season as he works off the rust from major shoulder surgery.

"We got the win," Brand told Philly Blurbs. "It's the coach's decision."

"I know what it is," he said of his role. "We're trying to win ballgames. There's no need to talk about anything." [READ]

Lakers star Kobe Bryant scored 41 points on Friday night as he became the youngest player to reach 24,000 for his career.

He accomplished the feat in the team's 114-98 win over the Grizzlies.

"You think back on all the years I've been here, all the mentors I've had," Bryant said after the game. "I've learned everything from other guys that have been here. There's nothing original in my game."

Hakeem Olajuwon is Bryant's most recent mentor. He enlisted Olajuwon to help him with his post game this past offseason. [READ]

The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 100-91 on Friday night in their only visit to Madison Square Garden of the season.

Of course, LeBron James and his pending free agency monopolized the headlines.

"It's this building," James said after the game. "This building's very special."

Fans cheered LeBron all night, with some holding up signs that counted down the days until he officially hits the free agent market. [READ]

Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session Friday morning at practice.

X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery Saturday.

Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. [READ]

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy says that Rashard Lewis will start immediately following his return from suspension.

Lewis was suspended for the first 10 games of the season for taking a banned supplement.

The forward will be eligible to play on Nov. 16 against the Bobcats.

"I'm starting him the first game --- for who, I don't know," coach Stan Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel.

"It's like when we got Rafer (Alston) at midseason last year. When you know a guy is going to be there long term, you don't mess around." [READ]

The contract of Mavericks center Erick Dampier could be used as trade bait within the next year.

A team could deal for Dampier next summer and cut him without paying him anything because of the wording in his contract.

In the NBA's struggling economy, a contract like Dampier's is an extremely valuable asset.

The Mavericks could add an impact free agent in 2010 via a sign-and-trade involving Dampier.

"He's a smart guy. He knows how to do math," owner Mark Cuban told ESPN of trade rumors. "I don't think there's any reason to have to go in and discuss it with him." [READ]

The NBA's new rim systems have led to some higher scoring games early on, but some players haven't even noticed them.

"I didn't know," Spurs guard Roger Mason Jr. told the San Antonio Express-News. "I really have noticed anything different."

Mason isn't the only member of the Spurs that hasn't noticed anything strange.

"The last six or seven times I dunked, I didn't notice anything, either," Matt Bonner said.

"If you only swish, and don't hit the rim, it doesn't matter," Manu Ginobili joked. [READ]

Philadelphia coach Eddie Jordan is still looking for some help at guard off the bench.

Jordan still hasn't figured out who will be the team's first guard off the bench.

He said on Thursday that he is waiting for one of the team's reserve guards to "distinguish" himself.

Willie Green, Royal Ivey, Rodney Carney, and rookie Jrue Holiday are all in contention.

"I'll tell you what I told the team the other day ... my eighth person, my eighth player, which is the first small, is someone I [still] need to find who is going to make some headway, someone that's going to tell me he's the eight guy," Jordan told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"That's going to come from Willie, from Jrue, from Royal, from Rodney. And some of it is going to be matchup, but if you distinguish yourself as 'The Guy,' then that's going to be the rotation." [READ]

Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas injured his left arm during the weightlifting portion of the team's practice on Friday.

The team announced the injury and said that Thomas went for X-rays after practice.

"Hopefully, everything is fine," coach Vinny Del Negro told the Chicago Tribune. "I'm not even exactly sure how he got hurt yet. But he tweaked his arm a little bit and he's pretty sore."

Del Negro said that the team will determine Thomas' availability for Saturday's game against the Bobcats on Saturday.

The forward missed two games with the flu recently. [READ]

Hornets owner George Shinn said Friday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Shinn is optimistic that he will beat the disease.

"My wife, Denise, and I remain strong in our faith and will maintain a positive attitude as I battle this with intense fervor and drive," Shinn said in a statement released by the Hornets.

Shinn, 68, has owed the franchise since 1988. [READ]

Unlike Dwyane Wade, who went with Chicago-based NBA fitness guru Tim Grover, Carmelo Anthony again spent time this past summer with Beverly Hills-based Gunnar Peterson, fitness guru to such entertainment stars as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Hugh Jackman.

His six-week program there, in addition to work with the Nuggets' training staff, led to a drop in body fat from 8.6 to seven percent and a drop in weight from 240 pounds to 228.

"Everything about me — my energy, my confidence, my swagger — everything is on another level right now," he said. [READ]

Shaquille O'Neal teasingly offered LeBron James significant cash if he would announce his 2010 intentions immediately and put an end to the rampant speculation.

"Five million if you do it right now,'' said O'Neal.

''No way. I'm not doing that,'' James replied laughing.

''Ten million. Cash. In a bag at your house,'' countered O'Neal. [READ]

Regarding the salary cap, Wolves' owner Glen Taylor said, "we've got ourselves in a situation next year where we're low enough so that we could go out and try to bring in a free agent, and in this particular case I'm talking about maybe a free agent that has some star quality and experience."

The Wolves will be $10 to $12 million under the cap next year, and Taylor believes some stars will consider Minnesota if they believe they are close to having a winning team. [READ]

Dan Gilbert is reportedly terrified that if the Cavaliers are unable to return to the Finals, LeBron James will leave Cleveland for New York, says a source close to the owner that spoke with Peter Vecsey.

The Cavaliers have started the 2009-10 season with a 3-3 record. [READ]

The Bulls stunned the Cavaliers to highlight Thursday’s NBA doubleheader.

- Chicago 86, Cleveland 85

Team FIC Differential: Bulls +1.7, Cavaliers -1.7


LeBron James fumbled the ball on his final shot attempt as the Chicago Bulls (3-2) edged past the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3) on Thursday night. Luol Deng had 15 points and seven rebounds, Derrick Rose posted 14 points and 11 assists and Joakim Noah contributed seven points and 11 boards. Both teams shot 40% from the field, but Chicago turned the ball over just seven times. James starred with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists, Anderson Varejao tallied 12 points and 13 boards and Shaquille O’Neal added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Game FIC Scores

LeBron James, Cleveland – 19.1

Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland – 13.8

Anderson Varejao, Cleveland – 13.8

Derrick Rose, Chicago – 13.3


- Utah 113, San Antonio 99

Team FIC Differential: Jazz +29.7, Spurs -29.7


The Utah Jazz (2-3) jumped out to an early lead against the San Antonio Spurs (2-2) and never looked back at Energy Solutions Arena. Carlos Boozer led with 27 points and 14 rebounds, Andrei Kirilenko tallied 12 points and six assists and Deron Williams totaled 27 points, nine dimes and seven boards in the win. Utah hit 53% of their shots and outrebounded San Antonio by five. Tony Parker scored 21 points on 6-for-14 shooting, Tim Duncan posted 15 points and 13 rebounds and DeJuan Blair put up 14 points and nine rebounds.

Game FIC Scores

Carlos Boozer, Utah – 26.6

Deron Williams, Utah – 23.3

Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 17.3

DeJuan Blair, San Antonio – 15.5


• RealGM calculates the Floor Impact Counter using the following formula: (Points + .75 Defensive Rebounds + Offensive Rebounds + Steals + Assists + Blocks - .75 Field Goal Attempts - .375 Free Throw Attempts - Turnovers - .5 Personal Fouls)

( )'s indicate a negative FIC score.

It is also used to rank players and to determine their ‘Reina Value.’ Click here to view the player rankings with the Reina Value for the current season [READ]

Wizards forward Antawn Jamison didn't suffer any setbacks after participating in noncontact drills on Thursday.

He went through the drills for about 45 minutes and reported no problems afterward.

"I've been shooting and going hard. No limitations as far as shot numbers or range or anything of that nature," Jamison told the Washington Times.

"It's just no contact - they don't want me getting hit or pushing or shoving. But we haven't had any limitations as far as drills, running, shooting or anything like that."

Jamison is still sticking to his original time frame of three-to-five weeks. He partially dislocated his right shoulder in a preseason game against the Cavaliers on Oct. 14.

"Everything is going according to plan. No setbacks whatsoever," he added. "The toughest part is being patient and just continuing to just rest it up." [READ]

Pacers center Roy Hibbert has recorded consecutive double-doubles, the first two of his career.

He is averaging 10.8 points and 10.3 rebounds through Indiana's first four games of the 2009-10 season.

"In the very near future, if not right now, he's going to be a dominant low-post scorer, a guy you can count on throwing the ball to and getting you points," teammate Jeff Foster told the Indianapolis Star.

Hibbert said during the preseason that his offensive game was still a "work in progress," noting that he needed to finish stronger around the basket.

"I am feeling more comfortable down low," he said after Wednesday's win over New York. "I just need to know the time when to score because I want to be that presence down there. I just need to stay aggressive and more confident when I get the ball." [READ]

Pistons rookie forward Austin Daye is adjusting to his reduced role in the NBA.

Daye was used to being a featured player at Gonzaga, but his playing time has been inconsistent in Detroit.

"It's tough, you just never know when you're going to be called on," Daye told Detroit News.

"You have to be mentally prepared for whatever my role," he added. "You don't know if you're going to play two minutes or 20 minutes. But I have to adjust. That's my job on the team and I have to be ready when I'm needed."

He is averaging 2.3 points and one rebound in less than eight minutes per game this season.

"I was pleased with Austin," coach John Kuester said. "He's somebody who hadn't gotten a tremendous amount of opportunity, but he came in and gave us a lift." [READ]

Raptors coach Jay Triano believes that guard Jose Calderon is still shaking off rust.

He has healed from the hamstring injury that hampered him last season, but has been a step slow thus far.

"I don't know if he's playing as well as he'd like right now, but he's playing at a very high energy level for sure," Triano told the National Post.

"A lot of [Calderon's struggles] may have to do with the rust and with the fact for the first time in his career, [he has] taken a five-month period of time away from competitive basketball."

Calderon believes that he will improve on both sides of the floor.

"I think I can get better on both ends of the floor. Offense and defense have got to be much better," he said. "It's only four games into the season, I've given my best. It's not going really good right now."

Calderon is averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 assists on 37.8% shooting through four games. [READ]

Kings guard Kevin Martin has three decisions to make regarding his fractured left wrist.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Martin can wear a soft cast and continue to play, undergo surgery and miss six to eight weeks or have the arm casted and miss a similar period of time.

"I'm going to turn my phone off early tonight, and get some good sleep, and probably make a decision tomorrow," Martin told the Bee on Thursday. "I played through it last night, but we'll just have to see." [READ]

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant asked Hakeem Olajuwon to help him with his post game this summer.

Bryant posted up Houston's Shane Battier often on Wednesday night. After each successful post up, Bryant would stare at Olajuwon, who was sitting across from the scorer's table.

"He looked at me to confirm, 'I'm using what you taught me,' " Olajuwon told the Press-Enterprise. "That was the greatest gift for me. It was wonderful."

Bryant e-mailed Olajuwon and the pair worked out together just a week before training camp began.

"It was an honor for me to have the opportunity to work with him, and I want to make him proud of what I've learned," Bryant said.

"I have wanted to work with him in the past, but the timing was right this year. I got a chance to work with the greatest post player ever. I've always been a student of the game, and he was very patient with me." [READ]

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins insists that Allen Iverson will continue to come off the bench.

Iverson has complained about his role, insisting that he's worry of being a starter.

Memphis owner Michael Heisley is backing Hollins in the back-and-forth.

"Lionel will handle it," Heisley told the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

"This is a situation that'll be handled between Lionel and Allen. What Allen said was inappropriate, but I'm not going to make a big deal out of it. Allen expressed his frustration about not playing and I understand that."

Iverson made his debut with the Grizzlies on Monday and complained afterward about his role.

"I'm not a bench player. I'm not a sixth man," he said. [READ]