THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (07/29/10)

The basketball world is shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death of Lorenzen Wright, a player with tremendous heart, ability and courage. Our thoughts are prayers are with his friends and family. R.I.P Lorenzen Wright.



LA Lakers center Andrew Bynum has had successful surgery on his right knee this Wednesday. Unlike fellow teamate Kobe Bryant (Who also underwent knee surgery this week) Bynum will not be 100% for training camp. It is expected however that he will be back for the start of the regular season and hopefully the Lakers high-profile international preseason games in London and Barcelona. The Lakers will look to start this next season with their injury prone center ready in the quest for a three-peat.

Another favourite for the championship the Miami Heat stocked up once more as Eddie House re-upped with the team. A contract worth $2.8 million over two years ensured Eddie kept his 'House' a home in South Beach. The rest of this superstar Heat team seems to be taking shape.

In other free agent news Josh Howard signed a one year deal with the Washington Wizards who he played out last season with. The $4 mill that the Wiz put on the table is 'incentive' based and hopefully his talent alongside the addition of Kirk Hinrich can bring some light to this troubled franchise.



Stephon Marbury is keeping things democratic in China. Signing on for three more years to play there. Although things ended badly in what was once billed as legendary in his time with his hometown Knicks Steph seems to have managed to find himself a more stable home overseas. A company will also be set up to sell his range of sneakers and basketball apparel (hopefully still at their discounted prices, watch that exchange rate Steph). Marbury became a popular figure in China last year despite playing only 15 games for Shanxi Zhongyu. Wishing you well Steph.

A fan in Cleveland took in an Indians game but also decide to still show love for the Cavaliers former favourite son as he wore a LeBron James, Heat jersey to the game. Police had to escort the fan out of the arena as things turned ugly. The man, along with his female companion was jeered. He seemeed to love the attention however popping the Heat logo on his jersey like he'd dunked on the whole crowd as he left. Whether this impressed his date and worked in his favour remains to be seen however.