Some big things in the NBA; LeBron James will be taking his talents back to South Beach on Christmas Day and there’s finally a new owner in LA. That and some signings in Great Britain’s BBL.
CLEVELAND TRAVEL TO MIAMI ON XMAS DAY
LeBron James will return to Miami as a Cleveland player on Christmas Day as the Heat face the Cavs.
Via ESPN:
Sources told ESPN.com that the NBA’s 2014-15 schedule — which will be released in full Wednesday at 6 p.m. in an NBA TV special — predictably sends James back to South Beach to face Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the rest of the Miami Heat on the marquee date of the league’s regular-season calendar after James’ decision last month to re-sign with his home-state Cavaliers.
The other Christmas Day games will likely be the Knicks-Wizards, Clippers-Warriors and Bulls-Lakers.
BALLMER COMPLETES PURCHASE OF CLIPPERS
Steve Ballmer is the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
The official statement of the Clippers reads:
The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that the transaction in which Steve Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers closed today following the entry of an order by a California court confirming the authority of Shelly Sterling, on behalf of the Sterling Family Trust, to sell the team.The NBA Board of Governors previously approved the sale and Mr. Ballmer is now the Clippers Governor.“I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers,” Mr. Ballmer said. “Clipper fans are so amazing. They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times. I will be hard core in giving the team, our great coach, staff and players the support they need to do their best work on the court. And we will do whatever necessary to provide our fans and their families with the best game-night experience in the NBA. I look forward to meeting our fans at our STAPLES Center Fan Festival on Monday, Aug. 18 at 12:30 pm PT.”
“This is an amazing new day in Clippers history,” Clippers President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Doc Rivers said. “I couldn’t be more excited to work together with Steve as we continue to build a first-class, championship organization. I am already inspired by Steve’s passion for the game, his love of competition and desire to win the right way and I know our players and fans are going to be inspired as well.”
Ballmer, Doc Rivers and Clippers players will be in attendance at a Clippers Fan Festival that will be open to the general public on Monday, Aug. 18 at STAPLES Center at 12:30 p.m. PT.
SULLIVAN SIGNS FOR HOME TOWN TEAM
Great Britain international Andrew Sullivan has signed for BBL side, the London Lions on a 2-year deal.
“Words can’t begin to express my excitement about returning home,” Sullivan said “Any one that knows me knows my pride of being a Londoner. Now to have the chance to represent my home town team as a professional player is honestly a dream come true.”
NOTHING BLAND ABOUT BRISTOL’S NEW SIGNING
BBL debutants Bristol Flyers have signed former Cheshire Phoenix forward Alif Bland on a 1-year deal.
Bland comes from Germany where he played for the Cuxhaven Baskats.
