AP - Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers dispatched the defending champions, and now they're headed to the NBA finals for the first time in four years.

AFP - Triple champion Rafael Nadal and the man whose ambitions he has thwarted each time in winning those titles, Roger Federer, both made smooth progress into the third round at the French Open on Thursday.

AFP - Roberto Mancini was sacked as coach of Serie A champions Inter Milan on Thursday opening the way for Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho to replace him.

AP - Jay Bruce was bound to make an out sooner or later. The Cincinnati Reds will lose again at home, too. Eventually.

Reuters - Chicago Bulls basketball player Joakim Noah, son of former French Open tennis champion Yannick Noah, has agreed to serve six months probation and pay a $200 fine after being charged with marijuana possession in Florida, the State Attorney's office said on Thursday.

AP - Michelle Wie shot a 4-under 68 at the Ladies German Open with about half the field in the clubhouse, trailing leader Nina Reis of Sweden by four strokes.

AP - Track coach Trevor Graham was found guilty Thursday of one count of lying to federal investigators about his relationship to a steroids dealer.

AP - The Detroit Pistons don't know if Richard Hamilton will be healthy enough to play against the Boston Celtics on Friday.

AP - The youthful Los Angeles Lakers maintain they're not close to being a finished product. And yet, they're one win away from earning their first NBA finals berth in four years, with as many as three shots at it if necessary.

AP - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal showed what they can do when challenged.

AP - Lorena Ochoa withdrew from the Ginn Tribute, putting the top-ranked player's duel with tournament host Annika Sorenstam on hold.

AFP - Maria Sharapova almost became the first women's top seed in French Open history to lose in the opening round on Wednesday as Rafael Nadal showed her the way to master a Roland Garros sandstorm.

AP - Sidney Crosby is the Pittsburgh Penguins' leader. Their best player. The franchise figurehead. A player who brings out the best in those who surround him, even if the 20-year-old is half the age of some.