LOS ANGELES -- A battle over control of the Los Angeles Lakers is over after an agreement was reached to have Jeanie Buss serve as controlling owner of the storied NBA franchise for the rest of her life, making permanent the arrangement her late father and longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss said in his will that he wanted.
The agreement was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday and states that Jim and Johnny Buss have agreed that their sister will serve as the controlling owner. The filing ends weeks of uncertainty about control of the Lakers as the franchise tries to put several losing seasons behind it.
Earlier this month, Jeanie Buss went to court seeking an order to control the team after her brothers called for a board meeting that she interpreted as a challenge to her power. That filing came days after she removed Jim Buss as the Lakers' executive vice president of basketball operations (see full story).
Schroder says Hawks OK despite 7-game skid
ATLANTA -- Dennis Schroder insists the Atlanta Hawks will be fine when their three injures starters return.
The point guard also believes the Eastern Conference playoff standings are too tight for the Hawks to wait for Paul Millsap, Kent Bazemore and Thabo Sefolosha to return from their injuries.
Schroder said the Hawks must snap their seven-game losing streak with their current limited roster, which will be without the three starters for at least one more game.
"I'm saying now we have to change something," Schroder said Monday. "We can't wait until they come back. Maybe it's too late then."
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The Hawks are in a three-way tie for fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. They are only 2 games ahead of eighth-place Miami, which currently has the final playoff spot, and 2 ahead of ninth-place Chicago.
The Hawks see they could drop out of the playoff standings if they don't quickly end the losing streak.
"The NBA isn't easy," Schroder said. "You've got to win games to make it in the playoffs" (see full story).
Rockets owner Alexander donates $4 million to 20 charities
HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has donated a combined $4 million to 20 charities in Houston.
Alexander has long been a champion for animal rights, and five such organizations are part of this gift. Also receiving money are six groups that assist children in need as well as groups aiding refugees, abused women and victims of human trafficking.
Said Alexander: "You have an obligation to do something like this. And I'm going to try to attempt to do this every year in the future."
He also donated to a YMCA campaign working to build a sports complex in suburban Houston for students with special needs.
Alexander did not disclose how the funds would be dispersed. He announced the donation in December.