NBA Free Agency, Neymar, Lynx Lose to Liberty

LeBron James seriously considering a return to Cleveland? Carmelo Anthony deciding between the Lakers and Knicks? Houston all-in on Chris Bosh?

It was a weekend full of rumors, but very little concrete news as the league awaits the future of some of its biggest stars. LeBron James, who appeared a lock to return to the Heat (and he is scheduled to meet with Pat Riley this week, apparently), now is reportedly considering other options, including a return to his hometown Cavaliers. That would be a story.

Carmelo Anthony appeared likely to remain in New York, while also considering Chicago and Houston, but over the weekend stories emerged that the Lakers were a serious possibility. He will hopefully make a decision in the next couple of days.

It's very hard for the league to move on until these players have decided where they are playing next season, as it has a domino effect on everyone else and effects the planning of a lot of teams. Even the Wolves, as some of the teams courting the big name free agents might also be interested in Kevin Love, depending on the outcomes of their free agent pursuits.

Presumably much of this will be resolved this week.

Elsewhere, the World Cup semis are set, as Brazil will meet Germany without their star Neymar, who broke a bone in his back when a Colombian player kneed him late in their quarterfinal.  That was a pretty brutal game as the referee lost control fairly early of a very physical contest. His refusal to hand out cards led to more and fouls, and less and less actual game play. Brazil is going to struggle to find scoring chances without Neymar against a very organized German side.

Argentina will face the Netherlands in the other semi.  Argentina has done just enough every game, mostly thanks to the brilliance of Lionel Messi, while the Dutch have looked at times expansive and dangerous, and at other times they have struggled to put away chances and have left holes at the back.  I like the South Americans in this one.

The Lynx lost to the Liberty in New York yesterday despite 25 from Maya Moore. Seimone Augustus missed her 4th straight game, and her absence started to be felt, as Monica Wright once again filled in. Tina Charles dominated proceedings, scoring 32 for the Liberty. The Lynx fall to 13-6 on the season.

Today in history

1607: God Save the King first sung
1668: Isaac Newton receives MA from Trinity College
1801: Haiti declares independence
1898: U.S. annexes Hawaii; who doesn't want tropical drinks? 
1928: Sliced bread is introduced to the market...insert joke here

Today's musical birthday is Gustav Mahler, born in 1860 (d. 1911)

Monday.