Kobe gets his, but LeBron gets victory in L.A.
In their final head-to-head meeting, Kobe and LeBron put on a good show Thursday night. Kobe scored a game-high 26 points, while James scored 24 in a winning effort.
Throw it up, LeBron will throw it down (0:31)
Barnwell: Grading the big free-agent deals
With money being doled out all over the place in NFL free agency, Bill Barnwell is here to bring clarity to the chaos, grading each notable deal.
Hawkeyes hit new low in loss to Illinois
Iowa, which lost on Thursday to Illinois in the Big Ten quarterfinals, bears little resemblance to the team that dominated league play earlier this season, and time is running out for it to rediscover its identity.
Bilas: Iowa could fall to eight or nine seed (1:14)
That's my Wooden! Oklahoma's Buddy Hield scores 39 in Big 12 tourney win over Iowa State
Buddy Hield propelled Oklahoma into the Big 12 semis and added another sensational chapter to his Wooden Award candidacy in beating Iowa State.
Hield hanging out with SVP (2:39)
Dolphins ink Broncos RB Anderson to offer sheet
Denver now have five days to match the offer sheet running back C.J. Anderson has signed with the Dolphins or risk losing another key player from its Super Bowl-winning team.
Kings suspend Cousins 1 game after Karl spat
The Sacramento Kings have suspended center DeMarcus Cousins for one game for "conduct detrimental to the team."
Osweiler: Texans provide best shot at success
Brock Osweiler says he decided to leave the Broncos and sign with the Texans because he felt he had the best chance of success in Houston.
Grizzlies waive Chalmers after Achilles tear
Mario Chalmers, a day after rupturing an Achilles tendon to knock him out for the rest of the season, was waived by Memphis to clear up a much-needed roster spot Thursday.
Source: Seahawks re-sign Kearse to 3-year deal
The Seahawks have agreed to a deal with Jermaine Kearse, keeping the receiver in Seattle with a three-year deal worth $13.5 million.
Failed dunk off the front of the rim (0:16)
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Nate Silver
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The winners and losers of free agency Day 2
The second day of NFL free agency was quieter than the first, with Oakland's deal with cornerback Sean Smith coming in as the day's best signing.
Day 2 free-agency highlights for all 32 NFL teams
NFL Nation reporters break down the second day of free agency for every team. The Raiders' stealing Sean Smith from the Chiefs and the Falcons' adding Mohamed Sanu were among the big deals.
Mamba fakes out the King (0:23)
Duke can't defend its title, but there's good news ahead
Bad news: The Blue Devils are too undermanned to think about defending their title. The good news? There will be so much talent in Durham next season that they'll be heavy favorites in 2016-17.
Bracketology: Joe Lunardi's latest NCAA projections
Championship Week is in full swing. How will the next few days shake up Joe Lunardi's NCAA tourney projections?
Mark Few: Thankful to be dancing again (3:28)
Bubble Watch: Florida's at-large chances hanging by a thread
The Gators avoided disaster when they narrowly escaped Arkansas, but anything short of a win over Texas A&M on Friday likely means they're headed for the NIT.
Vanderbilt left to sweat out NCAA chances after loss to Tennessee
Whether from nerves or just not being ready, Vanderbilt's ugly first half spelled doom against Tennessee and put the Commodores in a tight NCAA spot.
Chapman struggles in debut (0:30)
Gossage rips Bautista, 'nerds' ruining baseball
Goose Gossage ripped into Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista for his antics, as well as the "nerds" ruining baseball by changing the rules of the game.
Why Bryce Harper says he's the best, and why he's right
Bryce Harper -- his play, his attitude, his hair! -- is on a mission to change baseball forever.
Globetrotter sinks basket from skylift (1:04)
Sport Science: Curry from long range (1:43)
Why the Stephen Curry 3-pointer is the new Kareem skyhook
Opponents know he's likely to put it up, but Stephen Curry's unreal lateral movement and quick release make it so his shot is almost unblockable.
Flop earns trip to the line (0:18)
Broncos dealing with turnover of entire offensive backfield
John Elway knew the Broncos would experience personnel losses, but he will have to make some moves to re-establish an offensive presence.
Latest NFL free-agency deals and reactions
Sean Smith to the Raiders. Mohamed Sanu to the Falcons. Brock Osweiler to the Texans. Keep track of the biggest NFL free-agency moves here.
Auguste with one of the most vicious blocks of the season (0:23)
The scariest teams to face in the NCAA tourney
We asked more than 75 coaches which team they'd least want to face in the NCAA tournament. Many names came up. It's clear nobody wants to see Kansas. Tune in to ESPN2 & WatchESPN.
Bell: Liverpool win battle of fallen giants
Liverpool got the better of Manchester United in a Europa League battle of fallen football giants, writes Tom Bell.
Miesha Tate: 'Better get ready for a long reigning champion' (2:36)
Chase for 73: Warriors have 40 percent chance to set record
With their Wednesday win, the Warriors improved to 57-6 and bettered their chances to set the single-season record. Get the latest on the Warriors' pursuit of the '95-96 Bulls' record 72-10 mark.
Sam Bradford in Denver? It's not as crazy as it sounds
The Broncos, now without a QB, have several qualities that would appeal to Sam Bradford: proximity to his native Oklahoma and a top-notch defense.
RG III is Broncos' best quarterback option
Suddenly in need of a starting quarterback, Denver would be wise to set its sights on Robert Griffin III, writes KC Joyner.
2016 NFL Free-Agent Tracker
Follow all the big (and small) signings of the NFL's free-agency season.
Why starting a true freshman quarterback is so hard
Starting at quarterback in major college football is a huge challenge. Doing it as a true freshman is even more daunting.
Best thing I saw - A dog balancing act (0:59)
Yates: Dolphins' moves keeping them in cellar
Miami has traded for a bad contract and signed a defender coming off the worst season of his career, plus let young, talented players walk in free agency. What are you doing, Dolphins?
Sources: Broncos, Jets, Browns eye Kaepernick
The 49ers have been contacted by the Broncos, Jets and Browns about the availability of quarterback Colin Kaepernick in a trade, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Changed by sobriety, Jon Jones has 'a lot of proving to do'
With his dissenters, including April 23 opponent Daniel Cormier, questioning the sincerity of his sobriety, Jon Jones is focused on reclaiming his title -- and his reputation -- at UFC 197.
The wonderful present and magnificent future of Rougned Odor
At age 21 last season, Rougned Odor was among the major league second basemen leaders in slugging percentage even after a slow start.
Turn 4: NASCAR's burning questions
Will Brian France's political views drive away potential sponsors? Plus, our gang weighs in on teams in an early rut, the NASCAR Goes West concept, Team Penske and more.
Look out: LSU is a huge 2016 CFP title threat
Sure, 2015 went off the rails for LSU. But 2016 looks awfully good for the Tigers, who boast a loaded depth chart and play a challenging schedule. And oh yeah, they have Leonard Fournette.
Mexican driver Daniel Suarez carries the weight of expectations in NASCAR
Mexico's young NASCAR driver can drive popularity for the sport in his homeland.
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- Illustration by Justin Mezzell
Behold! The next wave in analytics: Vote here for your favorite MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference's research paper
What's the next wave in analytics? Here are summaries of the eight finalists for MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference's research paper of the year.
now
Kobe schools LeBron one last time
- Post moves
- Pump fake
- Vintage Kobe Bryant
Showtime LBJ throws down alley off glass
The way LeBron James looked at his left hand after, it seemed even he was impressed by that ridiculous, off-the-glass flush.
Kobe drains trey over LeBron
How does Kobe Bryant respond to LeBron James trying to steal the show in L.A.? Only way he knows how to.
If this crazy dunk attempt had gone in...
It "would have been a game-ending dunk," commentator Sean Elliott joked. But, yes, Jaylen Brown's near-dunk was that good.
Aaron Gordon Dunks on 'The Ellen Show'
He may have lost to back-to-back champ Zach LaVine in the dunk contest, but he's still showing off his skills ... in jeans. Take a look
Parker’s nasty spin move on Mirotic
Tony Parker. Spin move. Too pretty.
Cavs line up to wish Kobe the best
After Kobe Bryant’s last matchup against the Cavaliers, LeBron James and many of his teammates embrace Kobe, congratulating him on his impressive career.
Auguste, Notre Dame reject Duke
Zach Auguste had 19 points and 22 rebounds but this block will be the play he'll be remembered for.
Get ready for Tournament Challenge
The NCAA tournament brackets will be revealed Sunday night, but you can get ahead of the game and sign up for Tournament Challenge now, then come back to make your picks when all the matchups are unveiled. Sign up now
Buzzer denies overtime for Vandy
Wade Baldwin's last-second drive and shot looked to send the game to overtime but instant replay said "not so fast, my friend." Tennessee moves on to play LSU.
Hanging on rim is not good defense, LeBron
Julius Randle was on the verge of putting up a shot when LeBron James jumped up for the block but ended up fouling him and ... hanging on the rim. Because why not?
White Sox turn triple play
One play. Three outs. No sweat.
Fox swipes wallet from golfer
A curious fox nearly ran away with a golfer's wallet at the Baltry golf course in Ireland.
Tony Kornheiser: Chris Paul is a dirty player
"There's too many times this happens for it not to be a pattern."
Green throws down thunderous putback
This is a lesson on how to not box out. Danny Green was behind the 3-point arc but somehow snuck past a few defenders for the strong, one-handed putback.
Hield dunks, bench absolutely loses it
Oklahoma's bench just could not handle Buddy Hield's alley-oop dunk in the team's win over Iowa State.
Stefan Moody will shoot from anywhere
And the Ole Miss star will make from anywhere.
Warriors have 40% chance to win 73 games
After a 21-point win Wednesday, Golden State increased its probability of breaking the NBA single-season record, according to ESPN's Basketball Power Index. Chase for 73
Bryce Harper wants to change baseball
"That's the way I play. I want to kick your teeth in. And after the game I can walk out of those doors and be the happiest person in the world." Sorry, not sorry
What nightmares are made of
We asked more than 75 coaches which team they'd least like to face in the NCAA tournament. Their fears varied from talent, superior coaching and Denzel Valentine. Scary teams (Insider)
RG III is Broncos' best QB option
If John Elway's history is any indication, he will look for a high-ceiling option when picking his next quarterback, even if that player comes with some risk. Enter Robert Griffin III. Top-tier QB (Insider)
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
Kobe on LeBron rivalry: "I wouldn't say it's not a rivalry because we like each other too much. I don't like anyone that much."
ufc commentator gets tattoo for diaz
Jon Anik thought there was no way Nate Diaz could beat Conor McGregor. But Diaz did, so Anik got a special tattoo to hold up his end of a promise. Check it out
Kobe falls to LeBron in final meeting
In Kobe Bryant's final meeting against LeBron James, he scored 26 points in the Lakers' 120-108 loss to the Cavs.
J.A. Adande ESPN Senior Writer
Channing Frye said he fed off the hype and the energy in Staples Center, leading to his 21-point game. "I haven't played on (national) TV in 2-3 years)," Frye said.
