NBA stars prepare for international play
The U.S. men’s basketball team has reached China and has begun preparing for the Olympic Games next month. The United States players are “trying to be very confident, but that doesn’t mean overconfident,” says Coach Mike Krzyzewski. “We don’t have nothing to be complacent about. We haven’t accomplished anything yet.” LeBron James, who practiced with a taped right ankle, having sprained it last week, joined the squad in Macau, China on Monday. “Every time we step onto the court, we know we have the talent and we know we have the strength to go out and be the best team on the court,” James says. “The chemistry right now is really good.” James guarantees a gold medal for the USA in a Time magazine interview. The United States players will face China in their first contest Aug. 10.

Commissioner clears Buffalo Bills starter on hit-run
Buffalo’s Marshawn Lynch won’t be disciplined for any violations of the player code of conduct connected to a hit-and-run. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has announced the decision, following Lynch’s recent suspension of his license for the spring incident. Investigators waited weeks for the player to submit himself to police for questioning after Lynch struck a pedestrian in downtown Buffalo. The woman was bruised and treated at a hospital for her injuries. Lynch eventually told a court that he’d just avoided hitting another person with his SUV and didn’t realize he’d struck anyone. Cops were unsure whether Lynch had been driving on the night of the accident, but found his vehicle damaged and parked at his home hours later.

NBA star gives big bucks to Obama
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James donated $20,000 to Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign. What would the response have been if LeBron had donated to John McCain instead? Read more at Playa Hater.

Boston’s renewed NBA rivalry with Los Angeles stirred excitement among more than just the players and fans who filled both arenas. The ABC network reports that the Celtics’ blowout of LA this week earned a 10.7 viewer rating, the highest TV response since Indiana’s 2000 finals game six against the Lakers. Last year’s entire series between the Spurs and Cavaliers averaged only a 6.2. Ratings are based on the total percentage of homes with TVs tuned-in to a specific program.

Miami’s Jason Taylor sought by Green Bay. The Green Bay Packers reportedly have been checking on Miami Dolphin Jason Taylor’s availability. Despite Taylor’s having said he’s willing to play in Miami this coming season, The Green Bay Press-Gazette and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspapers relay that queries have been made on the defensive end. The Dolphins won’t comment, but it’s reported that they may be willing to deal the recent “Dancing With the Stars” contestant for a second-round draft pick. Following his “Dancing” debut, Taylor has said he’s considering an acting career.

Barkley to participate in poker tournament. Charles Barkley, who claimed he was giving up gambling, will participate in a celebrity poker tournament at the 2008 World Series of Poker. Where are the proceeds going? Read more at Playa Hater.