Jimmy Butler was an easy get for NBA Finals-bound Heat

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — It was June 30, 2019. The Miami Heat had an evening all planned out for their recruitment of free agent Jimmy Butler, down to every detail. They greeted him with music from Irish singer Dermot Kennedy, one of his favorites. A buffet dinner was set up, tables overlooking the...

At long last, Lakers' Frank Vogel set to see the NBA Finals

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel was smiling when he was asked what it felt like to finally reach the NBA Finals for the first time, after getting into the league in 2001. “I actually came in in ’98,” Vogel said, offering a polite correction. Either...

Back to the Finals: Heat oust Celtics, move to title series

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — It was exactly one year ago Sunday when Jimmy Butler walked into the Miami Heat practice gym, took a seat on a makeshift stage and said he wanted to be part of the team’s next title run. He’ll have that chance. The Heat are going to the NBA Finals —...

The Finals are set: LeBron, Lakers will meet Butler, Heat

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — LeBron James vs. the Heat. Pat Riley vs. the Lakers. Get ready for the NBA Finals — a title series like none other, to end a season like none other. The matchup is set, with the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as the last two teams standing in the chase...

Miami Heat advance to NBA Finals against Los Angeles Lakers, beating Boston Celtics 125-113 in Game 6 of Eastern finals

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Miami Heat advance to NBA Finals against Los Angeles Lakers, beating Boston Celtics 125-113 in Game 6 of Eastern finals.

Timberwolves' guard Beasley jailed after arrest on 2 charges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley was in jail Sunday on charges of drug possession and receiving and concealing stolen property, after his arrest the night before. The Athletic first reported Beasley's arrest Saturday night at his home in Plymouth, a suburb of Minneapolis. ESPN...

After a year of drama, the Lakers reach NBA Finals anyway

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Here’s a list of just some of the things the Los Angeles Lakers have gone through in the last 12 months: playing through a politically charged situation in China during the preseason and more massive fallout after returning home, the death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter...

James, Lakers beat Nuggets in Game 5 to reach NBA Finals

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — LeBron James wore out the path to the NBA Finals in the Eastern Conference, making annual trips out of Miami and Cleveland. Now he's the best in the West. And for the first time in a decade, so are the Los Angeles Lakers. James punctuated his 27th postseason triple-double with...

Los Angeles Lakers advance to NBA Finals, beating Denver Nuggets 117-107 in Game 5

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Los Angeles Lakers advance to NBA Finals, beating Denver Nuggets 117-107 in Game 5.

Celtics’ singular goal: Stop Heat 3’s to force Game 7

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — There have been two undeniable truths about the Miami Heat this season. They must make 3’s to win. They aren’t invincible with sizable leads. The Boston Celtics have scouting and analytics teams that undoubtedly know these trends. But, really, so would anyone who...