Celtics, Rondo agree on 5-year, $55 million contract extension. During a Sunday afternoon phone conversation between Bill Duffy, the agent for Rajon Rondo, and Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, the two hashed out a five-year, $55 million contract extension for Rondo, ensuring he will stay in Boston well into the next decade and exempting him from the uncertainty of free agency. -Boston Globe

Lakers getting an angel or demons?. When he’s on his game, Lakers forward Ron Artest is arguably the NBA’s best defensive player.He stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 265 pounds, which makes him large by small forward standards. He’s a capable scorer from the perimeter and the paint. He’s a superb defender, a strong rebounder, a deft playmaker, arare mix of strength and finesse. -Daily Breeze

Iverson makes debut, but seems upset in role with new team. Allen Iverson #1 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 22, 2009 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. -NBC 15 Online

Defensive help is key for Pistons against Dwight Howard. Is it Magic center Dwight Howard’s size that makes him a difficult matchup for opposing NBA centers? Howard is 6-foot-11, 265 pounds and he isn’t nicknamed Superman for nothing, what with his broad shoulders. -Detroit News