NBA News: 03.04.13

Lakers hang Shaq's No. 34 jersey in the rafters

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- When Shaquille O'Neal visited the Forum during the summer he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West encouraged him to look up at the retired jerseys hanging above the court.

"He said, `You can be as great as these guys,"' O'Neal recalled.

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West's prediction is finally official. Shaq joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan and the rest of the Lakers' greats Tuesday night when the club retired his No. 34 jersey in a halftime ceremony.

Bulls' Gibson reinjures knee in loss to Wizards

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson reinjured his left knee Tuesday night in a loss to the Washington Wizards, another setback for a team struggling to put together a healthy roster for the playoffs.

Gibson said he was hurt while guarding Trevor Ariza in the second quarter of the 90-86 defeat and will have an MRI on Wednesday.

  

Veteran NBA official Willard dies at 54

NEW YORK -- NBA veteran official Greg Willard died yesterday after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 54.

"The entire NBA family joins me in mourning the loss of one of our own, Greg Willard," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "Greg touched all those with whom he came in contact thanks to his extraordinary spirit, dedication and hard work. As a Finals referee, he reached the highest level of his profession while at the same time demonstrating a strong commitment to his family and his community. Our thoughts are with his wife Laurie, their children and the rest of the Willard family during this difficult time."

To honor Willard's memory, all NBA officials will wear wristbands or patches with his jersey number 57 for the remainder of the 2012-13 NBA season. The NBA will also have a moment of silence at all games tonight and Wednesday for Willard.