Morning Jolt: Mavericks packaging deal for LeBron James?
Thursday, February 18
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Dallas packaging deal for LeBron?
The Mavericks were busy at the trade deadline, but will their dealing lead to landing LeBron James? They definitely will be sniffing around this summer, though how things go in the next three or four months in Cleveland, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Denver, Miami and Toronto will go a long way toward determining who ends up where. If Cleveland wins the NBA title, LeBron James isn't going anywhere. If the Cavaliers get busted in the second round, he might have a tour to allow suitors a chance to wine and dine and woo him. By the way, if the Mavericks can get LeBron for Butler and Dampier, they would do it in one second. In fact, they would probably let the Cavaliers pick anybody on the team not named Dirk, with the possible exception of Jason Kidd, and do the deal. (Dallas Morning News)Comment
Pats interested in Panthers' Peppers?
The New England Patriots remain interested in pursuing Carolina Panther star pass rusher Julius Peppers. According to NFL.com, the Panthers aren't going to use the franchise tag on Peppers. So, he'll undoubtedly hit free agency as the marquee player available on the open market. One year after the Patriots and the Panthers were the subject of trade rumors involving Peppers, the Patriots are apparently still thinking about making a run at him. (National Football Post)Comment
What's ailing Kevin Garnett? Don't ask the Lakers and Pau Gasol. Gasol wasn't exactly complimentary of Garnett before the Jan. 31 game, and he stayed along those lines yesterday. Asked whether Garnett looked healthy, Gasol said, "I don't know exactly what's going on with him. He's struggling. I think he's physically limited. But that's all I see. All I heard. He competes. He's still a competitor, but I feel like he's limited; otherwise, he'd be contributing a lot more." (Boston Globe)Comment
Must-See Photo
Shaun White defended his halfpipe title, giving the U.S. its third gold of the day (Robert Beck/SI).
Must-See Video
NBC's Olympics coverage has taken heat, but the testy on-air relationship between hockey analysts Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury has flown under the radar. Until now.
Game To Watch
No. 5 Syracuse at No. 10 Georgetown, 7 p.m. ET
- Syracuse Orange
- Georgetown Hoyas
SI Vault: More speed skating
This Day in Sports
- 1994 -- U.S. speed skater Dan Jansen sets the 1000 meter world record (1:12.43).
- 1986 -- San Antonio's Alvin Robertson delivers a quadruple double with 20 pts, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals against Phoenix.
- 1983 -- The Indiana Pacers begin a 28 game road losing streak.
- 1967 -- Softball pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out six straight major leaguers.
- 1951 -- Three City College of New York basketball players admit to accepting bribes.
