LOS ANGELES (AP) - Phil Jackson has decided to coach the LosAngeles Lakers for one more year as they try to win their thirdstraight NBA championship. Jackson is the NBA's all-time leaderamong coaches with 11 titles and 225 playoff victories. He's wonfive crowns with the Lakers after capturing six with the ChicagoBulls.
UNDATED (AP) - LeBron James, Dwyane (dwayn) Wade and Chris Boshwere among the NBA free agents courted by a host of suitorsyesterday. James spoke with officials from the New York Knicks andNew Jersey Nets, Wade spent time with representatives from the Netsand Chicago Bulls, and Bosh was busy talking with the Miami Heatand Houston Rockets.
PHOENIX (AP) - Kirk Gibson will make his professional managerialdebut when the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Los Angeles Dodgersthis evening. Gibson was named interim manager after A.J. Hinch andGM Josh Byrnes were dismissed last night. Hinch was 89-123 in partsof two seasons with the DBacks, including a 31-48 mark this year.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - The Texas Rangers have acquired veterancatcher Bengie Molina and cash from the San Francisco Giants forreliever Chris Ray and a minor league pitcher. The 35-year-oldMolina is expected to join the Rangers and be in the lineuptonight, when they start a 10-game homestand leading into theAll-Star break. The two-time Gold Glove winner is hitting .257 withthree homers and 17 RBIs this season.
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) - Today's Wimbledon schedule ishighlighted by men's semifinal action as 2008 champ Rafael Nadalfaces Britain's Andy Murray after Tomas Berdych (BUR'-dich) takeson Novak Djokovic (JOH'-koh-vihch). Serena Williams and VeraZvonareva (zvahn-uh-RAY'-vuh) will square off in the women's finaltomorrow after advancing yesterday.