AILING NBA STAR OPTS TO RETIRE

Seven-time all-star LaMarcus Aldridge, pictured, announced his retirement from the NBA Thursday following a health scare. In a message posted to social media, Aldridge detailed how he played on April 10 with an irregular heartbeat. It was just his fifth game with the Brooklyn Nets since he signed a free-agent deal with the team. He played 23 minutes and scored 12 points in a loss to the Lakers but was ailing after the game. He informed the Nets of his symptoms the next morning, and the team immediately arranged medical assistance for him. “Though I'm better now, what I felt with my heart that night was still one of the scariest things I've experienced,” said Aldridge, 35. “With that being said, I've made the difficult decision to retire from the NBA. For 15 years, I've put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first.” Reuters