NBA

7-footer points up his worth to Heat

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 12, 2006

ORLANDO - Earl Barron, whose strong play in a summer league wound up netting him a championship ring with the Miami Heat, is looking for even more - like playing time.

Sometime in the next two weeks, Miami will decide whether to pick up Barron's conditional contract for 2006-07 - and Tuesday didn't hurt his case. The 7-footer from Memphis had 33 points and 15 rebounds, helping Miami beat New Jersey 91-85 in second-day action at the Summer Pro League in Orlando.

"I want to stay. I love Miami, love the organization and love my teammates," Barron said.

LAKERS: Prosecutors rejected a sexual assault claim against center Kwame Brown because of a lack of evidence.

The allegation was made during the Lakers' first-round Western Conference playoff series with Phoenix in April. Brown denied any wrongdoing and was never arrested.

Deputy District Attorney Darci Johnson said the decision not to prosecute was made after "a medical exam of the victim was reviewed and revealed no signs of forcible sexual assault."

TIMBERWOLVES: Free agent Mike James agreed to a four-year deal, instantly solidifying Minnesota's shaky point guard situation. The veteran averaged a career-high 20.3 points and 5.8 assists for the Raptors last season

SALARY CAP: The NBA set its 2006-07 salary cap at $53.135-million, one day before teams are allowed to sign free agents and make trades. That's up from $49.5-million last season. The minimum team payroll is $39.9-million, and the tax level will be $65.4-million. Any team with a payroll larger than that will be taxed dollar-for- dollar on the overage.

DRUGS FOUND: Police found marijuana in Carmelo Anthony's car during a traffic stop in Lochbuie, Colo., but the Nuggets star wasn't in the vehicle at the time, officers said. They said Tyler Brandon Smith, who identified himself as Anthony's friend and roommate, was pulled over late Sunday and cited for marijuana possession and three traffic infractions.

[Last modified July 12, 2006, 06:56:08]