LeBron leaning toward Miami stay
MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James cannot currently envision a scenario where he leaves the Miami Heat this summer, though he still plans to assess his needs and his future at the end of the season.
James made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBA TV. The Heat star can choose to become a free agent after this season by exercising an option in the contract he signed when he arrived in Miami during the summer of 2010.
Asked by interviewer Steve Smith if he can picture himself being anywhere else, James did not seem to hesitate before answering.
OKC guard Westbrook back Thursday
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Injured Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook will return Thursday against the Miami Heat, his teammate, Kevin Durant said in a recent interview with Grantland’s Bill Simmons.
Westbrook has missed 27 games since having surgery on Dec. 27 to deal with swelling in his injured right knee ”“ the third procedure in nine months.
The three-time NBA All-Star tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee during the second game of the playoffs last April. Westbrook underwent an operation after that injury and had another procedure on Oct. 1 to remove a loose stitch.
Oklahoma City went 20-7 this season without him.
Orioles reach deal with starter Jimenez
BALTIMORE (AP) — A person familiar with the situation says free-agent pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a contract, pending a physical.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been completed and the club had not made an announcement.
Several media outlets reported earlier that the sides had reached an agreement, which is reportedly for about $50 million over four years.
Jimenez went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 32 starts for Cleveland last season. He turned down a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Indians, so Baltimore would have to forfeit its first-round draft pick (17th overall) to sign him.
Rockies name Hawkins closer
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Colorado Rockies’ new closer is an old familiar face. On the first day of spring training, 41-year-old LaTroy Hawkins was given the job by manager Walt Weiss.
Hawkins was a member of the Rockies in 2007 when they lost to Boston in the World Series. He saved 13 games last season for the New York Mets.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
