Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers

The top NBA stories for Monday, Oct. 4:

• Carlos Boozer, Chicago's marquee free agent signing, will miss eight weeks with a broken right hand. According to Boozer, the injury occurred when he tripped over a bag of laundry. Seriously. USC product Taj Gibson will likely start at power forward in Boozer's absence.
• It wasn't all bad news for the Bulls this weekend though. They also agreed to terms with center Joakim Noah on a five-year, $60 million contract extension. The new contract will kick in next season and run through 2016. 
• The Knicks continue to practice in Paris amid warnings from the U.S. government of a possible terrorist attack. The Lakers are in Europe as well. They play the Timberwolves today in London. The NBA says it is taking "all appropriate security measures" with its teams abroad.
• Lakers center Andrew Bynum said last week he would be returning in November from surgery on his right knee. On Sunday, he pushed the timetable back to December. Lakers fans seemed relatively unconcerned about Bynum's November return. I wonder if they're still feeling that way now that he's going to miss an additional month.
• In spite of Bynum's knee trouble, James Worthy still thinks the Lakers are championship favorites. I'm inclined to agree. Too many weapons on that team and too good a coach not to be favored.  
• Commissioner David Stern is so focused on reaching a new labor agreement with the NBA players union that he hasn't thought about a contingency plan if a lockout occurs. He "remains optimistic" that the two sides will reach an agreement by the June 30 deadline. 
• Mopey doesn't even begin to describe Gilbert Arenas' demeanor since returning from his suspension. It sounds like he's a trainwreck by all accounts. Does Tony Dungy work with NBA players?
• Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford is actively seeking a contract extension. He makes $10.1 million this season but is likely trying to avoid being a victim of the pending collective bargaining agreement. 
• Roughly 5,000 articles have been written about Tyreke Evans' improved jump shot. Here's another one. 
• Dwight Howard promises to be quiet in light of a crackdown this season on players whining to officials.
• Back-and-forth sniping between Nets CEO Brett Yormark and former general manager Rod Thorn resulted in Yormark blaming Thorn for New Jersey's 12-70 season.   
• Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert denies calling LeBron James an "A-Hole" on Twitter.

That's it for today. Check back tomorrow for Tuesday's top stories.

To reach editor Patrick Crawley, click here.

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