NBA goes on the offense against players

League files claims against the National Basketball Players Assn., one with the National Labor Relations Board and another in federal court, 'in an effort to eliminate the use of impermissible pressure tactics by the union.'

Lakers guard Derek Fisher talks NBA lockout, Kobe Bryant's health

Derek Fisher, players union president and Los Angeles Lakers guard, will be in labor negotiations Monday. He also says teammate Kobe Bryant is confident about his health.

Now the ball's in the NBA's court

With the NFL's labor battle settled, the focus turns to the NBA's lockout of its players. With little progress toward an agreement thus far, both sides seem to be dug in for a long, hot summer.

Ronnie Lester speaks out as Lakers cut longtime employees

As the Lakers let many of the longtime staff go during the NBA lockout, Ronnie Lester, the Lakers' departing assistant general manager, says, 'great organizations don't treat their personnel like they've done.'

Andrew Bynum finds himself in another bad spot

Handicapped parking situation is the latest to show that the Lakers' promising young center still is lacking in maturity.

Kobe Bryant reportedly in talks with Turkish club team

Besiktas Coach Ergin Ataman says the team has made an offer to the Lakers guard and is waiting to hear from Bryant's representatives. Bryant would join New Jersey Nets All-Star guard Deron Williams.

Lakers, Clippers may not have a season, but they have schedules

NBA releases 2011-12 schedule, even though it has locked out players in a labor dispute that could shorten or cancel the season. Lakers are scheduled for 27 national-TV games, Clippers for a record 20.

Man sues Shaquille O'Neal over alleged kidnapping

Robert Ross is seeking unspecified damages. Attorneys for the former Laker and his partner call the accusations outlandish.

Changing Ron Artest's name, and then the subject

A Laker's name change gets the Fan of the House columnist thinking, and that leads to the Dodgers' woes, bobblehead nights and a proposal for sports' Ten Commandments.

LAPD memo criticizes man who says Shaquille O'Neal orchestrated his kidnapping

A detective says Robert Ross was an 'undesirable informant' who had a 'vendetta' against fellow gang members and adds that the accusations were attempted extortion.

Minnesota Timberwolves fire coach Kurt Rambis

The former Lakers player and assistant coach is out after posting a record of 32-132 over two years with the struggling franchise.

A funny thing happened to the Lakers' Ron Artest

First he changed his name, now he's hosting a comedy tour. But he's willing to give Mike Brown a chance.

Local trades: A look at the smash hits and flops

Southland teams have dealt for Nolan Ryan, Gretzky, Kareem, Wilt, Kobe and Teemu. But the Dodgers also let Pedro and Piazza get away.

Jellybean Bryant is still sweet on basketball

Kobe's father, no ordinary Joe, loves working with young players and would like a job in the NBA one day.

NBA lockout leaves draft picks with plenty of time to fill, minus a paycheck

For someone selected very early, like Derrick Williams, there's the option of hosting a camp or joining NBA stars overseas. For others, like Andrew Goudelock, taken in the second round by the Lakers, there's the opportunity to finish up a degree.

The NBA lockout has begun, and so has the posturing

Don't look for much to be accomplished, possibly until the NFL gets its act in order. If pro football reaches an agreement, NBA doesn't want to look bad.

NFL labor outcome could be a bellwether for NBA dispute

Sports law experts say NBA players' union may be waiting for a federal appeals court's ruling in NFL lockout case before determining next move. Decertification and an antitrust suit remain possibilities.

NBA lockout strips team websites of player images

A wrinkle in the collective bargaining agreement means that current players' names and images have been removed from the NBA and team websites. Now it's just cheerleaders, mascots and logos.

Kobe Bryant might take part in exhibition games in China

Kobe Bryant and his agent, Rob Pelinka, are trying to put together a tour to China by NBA players, says Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Derrick Williams, who also is represented by Pelinka. The games likely would be played in Shanghai.