SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings have signed general manager and vice president of basketball operations Vlade Divac to a new multiyear contract.
The team announced the move to keep Divac in the role running the franchise on Wednesday. Divac originally joined the front office last March, oversaw most of the offseason moves and was officially named to his current position in August.
Divac said he looks forward to building a winning team in Sacramento. The Kings (29-45) are headed to their 10th straight season without a playoff berth and face uncertainty this offseason about the status of coach George Karl.
The team moves into a new downtown arena next season and has a major building block in place in All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.
Clippers: Chris Paul passing on 2016 Olympics for rest, family
MINNEAPOLIS -- Chris Paul is passing up a shot at Olympic history to take a much-needed summer off.
The Los Angeles Clippers star said it was a difficult decision to pull his name from consideration for this summer's Olympics in Rio, but after spending a decade playing for USA Basketball he felt it was time for a breather.
"I've been playing every summer for the past 10-11 years," Paul said at the team's shootaround Wednesday morning as the Clippers prepared to play the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I feel like I have a right to choose my family every now and then, too."
NBA
Paul won gold in Beijing in 2008 and in London in 2012, when he made every start. Had he returned to Rio, he could have joined LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony as the only men's basketball players in Olympic history to win three gold medals.
He is very close with Anthony, James and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade. The point guard said he consulted all three friends before making the decision. Anthony has indicated he wants to play in Rio, while James has yet to commit, saying as late as last week that he hasn't had many discussions about it.
Paul also consulted his family and management team before making the decision. He will turn 31 in May and said the prospects of having a summer free to spend time with his children and family weighed heavily. (see full story)
Lakers: D'Angelo Russell apologizes for video of teammate Nick Young
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- D'Angelo Russell says he must rebuild the Los Angeles Lakers' trust in him after taking an unflattering video of teammate Nick Young.
Russell apologized profusely for the video Wednesday night before the Lakers hosted the Miami Heat.
The rookie point guard says he has no idea how the video became public. He intended it to be a joke between two easygoing teammates.
In Russell's video, he asked Young about being with women other than his fiancee, rapper Iggy Azalea. The video began circulating online in the past week.
Young also spoke briefly before the game. He says the dispute should be settled within the locker room, but didn't say he has forgiven Russell.