Top basketball news

Here are the top basketball news stories from around the world:

NBA News

  1. Lakers' LeBron James to miss 2-3 weeks with ankle sprain: The Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James will miss 2-3 weeks with a high ankle sprain, a major blow to their playoff hopes. (Source: ESPN)
  2. Giannis Antetokounmpo signs 5-year, $228M extension with Bucks: The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have agreed to a 5-year, $228M contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. (Source: The Athletic)
  3. NBA to introduce new pace-of-play rules: The NBA is introducing new rules to speed up the pace of play, including a 24-second shot clock and a 10-second backcourt rule. (Source: NBA.com)

International Basketball News

  1. Australia's Ben Simmons to miss FIBA World Cup due to injury: Australian basketball star Ben Simmons will miss the FIBA World Cup due to a back injury, a major blow to the Boomers' chances. (Source: ESPN)
  2. Spain's Ricky Rubio to miss FIBA World Cup due to injury: Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio will also miss the FIBA World Cup due to a knee injury, dealing a blow to Spain's medal hopes. (Source: Eurohoops)
  3. China's Yao Ming to be inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Former NBA center Yao Ming will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September, becoming the first Chinese player to receive the honor. (Source: NBA.com)

College Basketball News

  1. Kentucky's John Calipari signs 10-year extension: University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari has signed a 10-year contract extension, keeping him at the helm of the Wildcats through the 2032-33 season. (Source: ESPN)
  2. Duke's Zion Williamson to enter NBA draft: Duke freshman sensation Zion Williamson will enter the 2019 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. (Source: ESPN)
  3. Michigan State's Cassius Winston to enter NBA draft: Michigan State point guard Cassius Winston will also enter the 2019 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. (Source: ESPN)

Other News

  1. WNBA's A'ja Wilson signs 6-year, $115M extension: Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson has signed a 6-year, $115M contract extension, making her one of the highest-paid players in the WNBA. (Source: ESPN)
  2. FIBA World Cup to feature 32 teams for first time: The 2019 FIBA World Cup will feature 32 teams for the first time, with the addition of four new teams: the Philippines, Poland, Senegal, and Venezuela. (Source: FIBA.com)
  3. NBA 2K20 to feature Giannis Antetokounmpo on cover: The cover athlete for NBA 2K20 has been revealed, with Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming the first Greek player to appear on the cover of the popular video game. (Source: NBA.com)