Space Jam 2 not in immediate plans
MIAMI— Heat forward LeBron James has no plans of starring in the sequel to Space Jam.
At least not anytime soon.
James shot down a report claiming he was in talks with producers about a follow- up to the1996 classic that starred Michael Jordan.
“It’s news to me,” James said. “I haven’t heard anything about it. Like I said, I’ve always loved Space Jam. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. If I have the opportunity, it will be great. But that’s news to me. Obviously, I don’t want to be on there with this thing onmy nose. We’ll see what happens.”
The report said broadcasting veteran Dick Ebersol’s sons, Charlie and Willie, plan towork together to produce the movie and write the screenplay with Warner Bros. The original Space Jam grossed $ 230 million, with NBA stars such as Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley making appearances.
“I haven’t heard from them,” James said. “Maybe they got it in my office. I haven’t been tomy office in a while. I’ll sort throughthe papers.”
Bulls coach endorses Pacers
Chicago Bulls coach
Tom Thibodeau dropped an endorsement for the Indiana Pacers being the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers, who lost to the Heat in last year’s conference finals, are on pace to grab theNo. 1 seed.
“I don’t know. You [ reporters] get into all that stuff,” Thibodeau said. “All I know is Miami is the defending champion. Everyone is chasing them until that changes. Indiana has had a great season. They’re certainly right there. But you have to play the games.”
Midseason moves have also attributed to the Pacers’ gaining more attention. They signed center Andew Bynum last month and recently traded for Evan
Turner.
“You pay attention to it,” guard DwyaneWade said. “Obviously we’re players so we look around and see what’s going on in the league, especially around the trading deadline and seeing what teams are making moves. It’s a different dynamic but at the same time, we approach it the same way. It’s only five guys on the court.”
No Rose, no problem
It has become almost expected.
Count the Heat among the teams not surprised by the Bulls’ success. At 29- 25, they are in fourth place in the conference despite losing All- Star guard Derrick
Rose for the season. Last year the Bulls advanced to the second round playing without Rose, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng. They lost to the Heat in five games.
“It’s what they always do,” center Chris Bosh said. “They’re just a grind it out team. They grind the whole season. They’re going to try to put a choke hold on you and strangle you slowly defensively. They’ve got talent over there. They’ve always found a way throughout the season to still be effective. I’m sure they’re just used to it by now. They just get it done no matter what happens.”
Rose has missed the majority of the past two seasons with knee injuries.