No surprise -- Cleveland Browns want LeBron James

It's good to know that, once the Lakers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals next June, LeBron James will have another career to fall back on.

Cleveland Browns Coach Eric Mangini told reporters today he'd welcome James to the team if he ever decided to trade in his headband for a helmet.

"I think he should come on down," Mangini told the Associated Press.

Of course he thinks that -- have you seen how bad the Browns are?

Even quarterback-turned-cheap-shot artist Brady Quinn thinks it's a good idea. "If he wants to try to play a little bit now, we'd be more than willing to pick him up."

However, Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers isn't so convinced. As perhaps the only member of the team who actually knows something about football, Rogers has doubts about James adjusting to the game.

"I just don't think you can step off a basketball court after not going through this year in and year out and just play football," Rogers said. "From that standpoint, I don't think it's possible."

Maybe James could train by going on "Shaq Vs." and taking on Rogers and anyone else who doubts his gridiron abilities. Come on Shaq, it's time to start challenging football players via Twitter.

-- Austin Knoblauch

Photo: LeBron James flexes after drawing a foul against Golden State on Tuesday. Credit: Mark Duncan / Associated Press

Shaq's wife files for legal separation

It looks like Shaquille O'Neal is heading to divorce court.

O'Neal's wife, Va'Shaundya O'Neal, filed for legal separation in Los Angeles on Monday and intends to divorce the 15-time NBA all-star, citing irreconcilable differences. She is also seeking full custody of their children and spousal support. Their marriage lasted nearly seven years.

Maybe this explains why O'Neal has time to pursue a career in law enforcement even though he's acting as LeBron James' bodyguard until the summer.

-- Austin Knoblauch

Photo: Shaquille O'Neal. Credit: Aaron Josefczyk / Reuters

Shaquille O'Neal submits application to become a sheriff's deputy in Cleveland

It looks as if Shaquille O'Neal is no longer satisfied with just being LeBron James' bodyguard.

The world's tallest purveyor of law enforcement has submitted an application to become a special sheriff's deputy in Ohio.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office spokesman John O'Brien confirmed to the Associated Press that Shaq has submitted a formal request to become a special deputy.

If approved, Shaq would have the right to make arrests and carry a weapon even though he wouldn't be a paid employee. First, though, he would need 36 hours of police training and to pass a police exam.

Of course, this isn't Shaq's first foray into the world of law enforcement. He's worked in similar roles for other local agencies in the past.

I wonder if Shaq has a plan for detaining the Lakers' hopes of a second consecutive NBA title?

-- Austin Knoblauch

Photo: Shaquille O'Neal is sworn in as a reserve police officer with the Miami Beach Police Department in 2005. Credit: Miami Beach Police Department

LeBron James to star in upcoming movie

Shaquille O'Neal isn't the only movie star on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster.

LeBron James, who's seen plenty of camera time making commercials and as a "Saturday Night Live" host, will appear in the upcoming Universal Pictures production "Fantasy Basketball Camp," according to Variety. The movie is a comedy about a group of guys who attend James' basketball camp in Las Vegas. How can that not be funny?

But James isn't all about getting laughs. Check out this story on his upcoming memoir and related documentary.

No word on whether James gets dunked on by one of the campers (check out the dunk at the 34-second mark).

-- Austin Knoblauch

Shaq hits beach, takes on May-Treanor and Walsh

Shaquille O’Neal is taking cross-training to a new level.

He’s starring in a new reality show on ABC, called “Shaq vs.,” where he battles other superstar athletes at their sports. He’ll take on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya, swimmer Michael Phelps and Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols.

He’ll start Sunday, when he’ll play pro beach volleyball players and two-time Olympic gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh. He’ll play with Olympic gold medalist Todd Rogers, and Rogers’ partner Phil Dalhausser will coach.

“I just now added Hermosa Beach sand to my salad. I eat sand,” O’Neal said during a news conference with May-Treanor and Walsh.

Their banter was light-hearted, yet Shaq is taking this seriously. He believes he has what it takes to win the challenge – and he better, because if he loses, he has to walk two miles in a pink Speedo.

“Three sizes too small,” he said.

David Beckham laughs off Shaq's challenge

Soccer royalty David Beckham figures Kobe vs. Shaq in soccer would be more fair than the English midfielder taking on the Cavaliers' center in a shootout.

The Big Challenger has been calling out athletes across the globe for some one-on-one competition, primarily through his Twitter account, and has been prodding Beckham to appear on his reality TV show.

Mike Dunsmore, of Dunsmore Productions L.L.C., caught up with Beckham on Saturday night following the Galaxy's 2-1 loss to FC Barcelona.

 

-- Dan Loumena

The next NBA Champion will be...

Six days into the NBA's free agent derby, oddsmakers have weighed in on the favorites to win the championship next June.

And the favorite? LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, who added Shaquille O'Neal in a trade with Phoenix last month, are favored by 7-4 odds to win the title next season, according to Beted.com.

The next favorite is the Lakers, who this month reached terms with free agent forward and loose cannon Ron Artest, but lost starter Trevor Ariza to Houston. The Lakers are still negotiating to resign valuable reserve big man Lamar Odom. The odds on the Lakers winning again next season are 2-1, according to Beted.com.

Next up is their archenemy, the Boston Celtics, who snagged free agent forward Rasheed Wallace at 9-2 odds. They are followed by the Orlando Magic, who lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals last month, at 5-1.

As for the Clippers, who signed the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, Blake Griffin, they are near the bottom, as usual, at 95-1 odds to win the NBA title next season.

-- Barry Stavro

Photo: LeBron James, left, and Shaquille O'Neal dance during NBA All-Star game practice in Las Vegas on Feb. 17, 2007. Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press

Ted Green: L.A. stories ... asked and answered

These L.A. stories are in the news. And if they're not, they will be. Let me help with some perspective and explanation.

An idea for crowd control: If they do hold a huge Michael Jackson memorial service at Staples Center on Tuesday, have a Sparks game come in immediately behind it. That should clear the arena quickly and safely.

Why Manny won't apologize: Because it's like asking a frat boy to apologize for drinking beer. Why should he when everyone on frat row is doing the same thing? Ever notice that none of the performance enhancers who get busted in baseball ever show an iota of genuine remorse or honest contrition? And when they do apologize, it's because their agents tell them it's good PR. Why don't they ever own up? Because they aren't sorry! They figure they're doing what 95% of players in every clubhouse have, and likely still are doing, which is juicing, a way of life in today's game. They're only sorry they get caught.

Why Juan Pierre, a top 10 hitter in the National League, has to go back to the bench: Because his next home run this season will be his first. Because with his arm, Juan needs TWO relay men. Because they're paying Manny mucho dinero. And because no one wants to pay to sit in Pierrewood.

Why it's non-negotiable -- the Dodgers and Ned Colletti must bring in a front-line pitcher: Because they could lose their chance at the World Series if they don't. And if Joe Torre keeps over-relying on the bullpen the way he has, the Troncosos, Belisarios and Broxtons are gonna be KICKING the ball up to home plate by mid-August. But Kershaw is growing up very quickly now, right before our eyes. If they add a Peavy or Cliff Lee and Manny hits, they're way good to go.

Why Randy Wolf gets so many no-decisions: Is it lack of run support, bad luck, occasionally good luck? I can't decide. Apparently, it's contagious. But if he gets any more no-decisions, he's going to have to start pitching for the government.

Why Kobe is staying with the Lakers: Because the water along the Riverwalk in San Antonio is dirty and muddy? Because you can't find good sushi in Memphis? Because Houston has a problem? Because 20 other NBA franchises are useless? I mean, where would he go, New York? They have no players. Besides, the Knicks haven't won a title since Red Holzman had hair and Phil Jackson was 27 with hips of his own that worked. Of COURSE Kobe is staying with the Lakers. L.A. is his home and he owns this city now. Besides, staying is his only shot at catching Jordan and his six rings.

Why Shaq won't make the difference in Cleveland: Because he's on the downside. Because his downside has a downside and it's getting steeper by the minute. The Cavs were already playing too slowly and not scoring enough points BEFORE Shaq got there. Now they'll be playing at the speed of a 33-RPM vinyl record. LeBron can film three more puppet commercials in the time it'll take Shaq to cross half-court.

Why the Clippers are apparently trading their top scorer, Zach Randolph: You really have to ask? Randolph is one of those NBA scorers who is just good enough to lose 60 games with. I hear there is actually a lottery Ping-Pong ball that has Zach's picture on it. Besides, in financial terms, owing Zach Randolph $33 million must feel like owning stock in General Motors. Plus, confidence in your scoring ability is not the same thing as smart. The Clips knew Zach would still need 30 touches a night to feel like The Man, but there's only room for one man and Blake Griffin is The Man now. Or should be by January.

-- Ted Green

Green formerly covered sports for the L.A. Times. He is currently senior sports producer for KTLA Prime News.

Photo: Manny Ramirez walks back to the Inland Empire 66ers dugout after striking out in a minor league game Sunday. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Twitter: 'Amar'e Stoudemire to the Lakers!!' Fact or fiction?

This from a Twitter account (@amareisreal) claiming to belong to Amar'e Stoudemire:

"Breaking News! Amar'e Stoudemire to the Lakers!!"

@amareisreal is not a "verified account" as is Shaq's or Lamar Odom's. It is, however, a real account, according to Hoopiquity.com, which has compiled a list of NBA players' Twitter accounts. So it'll be interesting to see if there's any truth to this, or if Stoudemire is simply toying with Laker fans.

Last week, Kevin Love broke the news on Twitter that Kevin McHale would be out as Timberwolves head coach. Is a trend of players breaking news on Twitter developing?

In this case, probably not. Mike Bresnahan, our Lakers' beat reporter, says a Lakers official described this "tweet" is just a lot of chirping. It's not true.

There surely seems reason to be skeptical. Why would the Suns trade Stoudemire to a Western Conference rival? And what could the Lakers possibly give up for him? 

-- Mario Aguirre

Shaq has a new (and old) number

Shaquille O'Neal will be wearing an old number when he plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers next season.

A very old number.

O'Neal will wear jersey No. 33 next season, the team confirmed today. That's the number he wore in high school and in college at Louisiana State.

With the Lakers, O'Neal wore No. 34. With Orlando, Miami and Phoenix, he wore No. 32.

Joe Smith, a 14-year NBA veteran, wore No. 32 for the Cavaliers last season.

-- Mike Hiserman

Photo: Shaquille O'Neal had his number retired by Louisiana State during a ceremony on Dec. 16, 2000. Credit: Associated Press