Jeff Hart

Howard is off to play alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, after a megadeal involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia and Denver was worked out Thursday and completed Friday after the NBA reviewed and approved the particulars.

Kevin Durant scored 19 points, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony added 18 apiece, and the U.S. turned on its slamming-and-shooting spectacle in the second half to overwhelm Argentina for the second time in five days, 109-83, in the semifinals Friday night.

If high school fans thought last year

The Atlanta Braves boosted their rotation and added a right-handed bat to their bench Monday night by acquiring left-hander Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson from the Chicago Cubs.

On a stunner of an opening night at the pool in London, Michael Phelps was routed by his American rival in the 400-meter individual medley, losing to Ryan Lochte by more than 4 seconds Saturday.

Mike Minor struck out nine and combined with Craig Kimbrel on a four-hitter, Jason Heyward had two hits and drove in a run, and Atlanta edged Joe Blanton and the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 Saturday night.

Atlanta coach Mike Smith is looking for new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan to help the Falcons increase their third-down stops.

Kris Medlen is replacing Jair Jurrjens in the Atlanta Braves' rotation and will start Tuesday against the Marlins.

Tina Charles scored 14 points and Angel McCoughtry added 13 to lead the U.S. women's basketball team to a sloppy 81-56 victory over Croatia on Saturday in their Olympic opener.

It's go time for the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team. It's gold time. The challenging exhibition schedule is over, marching in the opening ceremony is already a memory and the Olympic flame is burning brightly.