Westbrook will sign with Clippers

Russell Westbrook is staying in Los Angeles, even though the Lakers shipped him to the Utah Jazz before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

The nine-time all-star will pursue a buyout with the Jazz that will enable him to sign with the crosstown Los Angeles Clippers for the remainder of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Monday.

Utah had discussed the possibility of keeping Westbrook in a limited role and he had drawn interest from several other suitors, including the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, but he will remain in his hometown and join Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on a title chase. ESPN first reported that Westbrook would join the Clippers.

Once the 34-year-old Westbrook suits up for the Clippers, he will have played for five different teams since 2019. Though he found some success by shifting into a sixth-man role with the Lakers this season, Westbrook averaged 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game and shot just 41.7 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from threepoint range.

Giannis in NYC for wrist exam

Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo was scheduled to be in New York on Monday to undergo testing and get further evaluation on his injured right wrist, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday night because neither the Bucks nor Antetokounmpo released the plans publicly.

ESPN first reported that Antetokounmpo was going to New York, and it was later confirmed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Antetokounmpo injured his wrist Thursday night in Chicago after attempting to block a shot. Antetokounmpo exited after only nine minutes and did not return. He had X-rays and Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said at the time they came back clean.

But there evidently has not been much improvement in the wrist since.

Love picks Heat for stretch run

Kevin Love said Sunday that he will sign with the Heat for the remainder of the season once he clears waivers, a major add for a Miami team that is looking to move up in the Eastern Conference before the postseason begins.

“Miami it is, yes," Love said in a text message to The Associated Press.

Also Sunday, a person with knowledge of the matter said the Heat are finalizing plans to add another big man in free agent center Cody Zeller, with that deal expected to be completed before the team gathers in Miami to begin practice following the All-star break.

Mcclung soars to slam dunk glory

Mac Mcclung might have single-handedly restored the shine on a dunk contest that has been widely panned in recent years.

Mcclung, the 6-foot-2 Philadelphia guard on a two-way contract, defeated New Orleans' Trey Murphy III in the finals of the dunk contest, culminating an NBA All-star Saturday that may have finally answered the question as to whether what used to be the league's signature event can be glitzy again.

Mcclung had the answer: Absolutely.

“I'm truly blessed and grateful for the NBA giving me this opportunity," Mcclung said.

A 540-degree dunk was his third perfect score of the night out of four dunks, but by the time the judges' scores came up it was already decided. Everyone in the building knew he'd already won.

“It's over," Mcclung said.

It was. And he immediately committed to defending his title at Indianapolis at All-star Saturday next year.

“If you guys will have me, I'll be back," Mcclung said.