UPDATE: Sam Cassell has been released by the Los Angeles Clippers, reported by ESPN. Obviously, Garnett’s Celtics are the favorites to land him however I’m sure there are also the prospects of Phoenix and Dallas. I have to believe that we will know exactly where he ends up quite soon…

Houston Rockets: Yao Ming has been shut down for the season. With a stress fracture in his foot he is not able to run and participate as actively on the court as he has been thus far into the season. Coach Rick Adelman and GM Daryl Morey have both already approached Dikembe Mutumbo in regards to playing next season as well.

Boston Celtics: The Celtics managed to sign PJ Brown who seemed as though his days in the NBA were over until he got a bid from a team with obvious title hopes.

Brent Barry: He has apparently narrowed his choices down to Phoenix, Dallas, and San Antonio with the Spurs seeming like his most likely destination. San Antonio is giving him a better deal int hat they are offering him a third year as opposed to the two year contract Phoenix is offering.

I just did an article on the MVP award competition before Kobe and Lebron the other day, and already since then the Lakers beat an above .500 team and the Cavaliers lose to the Milwuakee Bucks, an under .500 team. Also, facing up against the Boston Celtics today, Lebron James left the game in the 2nd quarter due to a sprained ankle. I suppose that just makes Kobe’s case that much easier.