LaMarcus Aldridge holds NBA lockout charity game

By Anne M. Peterson

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Nov. 6 2011 10:42 p.m. MST

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, left, drives on PortlandTrail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews during the first quarter of the Rip City Basketball Classic basketball game in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The game, which showcases various NBA Players, was put together by Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

Don Ryan, Associated Press

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Summary

Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge put on a sold-out charity basketball game Sunday night with the NBA's tense labor situation as a backdrop.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge put on a sold-out charity basketball game Sunday night with the NBA's tense labor situation as a backdrop.

A fan held a sign that said "Thanks LaMarcus" during the game that included Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Josh Howard of the Washington Wizards, Atlanta's Jamal Crawford and several other players.

The event came a day after a marathon bargaining session between the NBA owners and the players union to resolve the labor dispute that has already resulted in the cancellation of the start of this season.

The league said early Sunday morning that it offered players up to 51 percent of basketball-related income, which the union disputes. Commissioner David Stern says the players have until Wednesday to accept the deal or it will drop to 47 percent.

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