NBA: Magic now a Lakers adviser

Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers on Thursday as an adviser to owner Jeanie Buss, possibly signaling a change in the team’s power structure. Johnson will assist Buss “in all areas of basketball and business,” according to a news release. Jim

Buss, Jeanie’s brother, runs the Lakers’ basketball operations with general manager Mitch Kupchak.

The Bucks acquired forward/center Spencer Hawes and center Roy Hibbert from the Hornets in exchange for center Miles Plumlee.

Dwight Howard scored 24 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in his first game back in Houston since signing with Atlanta in the offseason, leading the Hawks to a 113-108 victory.

Tim Hardaway Jr. had 33 points for Atlanta. The Hawks trailed by as many as 20 points and entered the fourth quarter down 13. ETC.: Delle Donne dealt to Washington

Elena Delle Donne is headed to Washington in one of the biggest trades in the WNBA’s history. The 2015 MVP is joining the Mystics after being traded from the Chicago Sky on Thursday for Stefanie Dolson, Kahleah Copper and the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft..

In Scottsdale, Ariz., Matt Kuchar eagled the par-5 13th and added two late birdies and a big par save on the rowdy par-3 16th hole to take the firstround lead in the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Kuchar shot a 7-under 64 at TPC Scottsdale for a one-stroke lead over defending champion Hideki Matsuyama and Brendan Steele. Phil Mickelson shot a 3-under 68.

The Wild signed goalie Alex Stalock to a twoyear contract extension, allowing the club to protect All-Star Devan Dubnyk in the expansion draft.