New York Knicks Star Amare Stoudemire in Israel

Amare Stoudemire is presently in Israel. As you might now, he has a tattoo of a Star of David and actually knows some Hebrew phrases. And now he wants to explore his potential Jewish roots.

On his week-long trip, the 5-time NBA all-star, Stoudemire, who just signed with the New York Knicks, plans on learning more about Israel’s language and religion. He stated that he thinks he inherited Hebrew roots through his mother Carrie.

As he explained to the Associated Press (AP) on Friday, his mother studied the history and the scriptures and believes that she is a Hebrew. He went on to explain that he was raised in a very spiritual home and said that to him, the whole thing is not about religion but rather spirituality.

Bloggers in Israel are excited about Stoudemire’s interest and expressed hopes that he may end up joining the Israeli national team. The 6-foot-10 Knicks forward, though, laughed that off and said he intends to play in the 2012 for the US.

Siena's Kenny Hasbrouck to Sign with NBA Miami Heat

Kenny Hasbrouck has always been focused on the NBA.

The Siena grad didn't even want to talk about playing overseas until he first gave the NBA everything he had.

That effort is now paying off.

Tomorrow, Hasbrouck will sign a contract with the Miami Heat a deal that will put him in training camp with all-stars Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh.

The deal, which could pay Kenny upwards of $200,000, is not guaranteed until December 1st.

"I am grateful for it to finally happen, to finally put my name on the paper where I know I am going to be secure for at least a couple months. So, it's good." Kenny Hasbrouck told FOX23 during his visit back to Siena College today.

Kenny Hasbrouck was Miami's leading scorer in the Vegas Summer League averaging 13.6 PPG to go with 2.4 RPG and 2.4 APG in 5 games.

Los Angeles Lakers snap up NBA veteran Matt Barnes

The London-bound Los Angeles Lakers have added veteran small forward Matt Barnes to an already impressive roster.

Matt Barnes, a free agent after a season at fellow title-contenders the Orlando Magic, signed a two-year deal with the defending NBA champions.

The 30-year-old is a tough, talented defender and also shoots fine from beyond the three-point line. He averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season in Orlando.

The former Los Angeles Clipper is the Lakers’ third signing of the summer after the team added veteran centre Theo Ratfliff and veteran point guard Steve Blake.

The LA Lakers head to London on October 4 to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the O2 Arena as part of NBA Europe Live.

Kobe Bryant has surgery on right knee

Kobe Bryant has surgery on right knee.

Kobe Bryant has had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be fully recovered by September 25.

The two times defending NBA Finals MVP had the procedure last week and is currently undergoing rehab to be ready prior to the start of the Lakers' training camp.

Last season, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to a second-straight NBA title despite a number of niggling injuries throughout the team's championship run.

Kobe Bryant still managed over 29 points per game during the 2010 NBA Playoffs but it is his influence on teammates which also makes him such an invaluable player for the LA Lakers now.

LA Lakers point guard Derek Fisher recently revealed that it was Bryant who played a big role in his decision to re-sign with the team.

"I definitely feel like I made the right decision," Derek Fisher said.

"Kobe and I worked extremely hard to be in a position where we’re now in our careers. Obviously he is much more accomplished than I am, but we have a bond that I just didn't want to break. I think we can lead our team to another championship this season and that was a big motivating factor."

Derek Fisher said he "seriously considered" his other free agency options before ultimately choosing the LA Lakers based on a few factors including his relationship with Kobe Bryant, the community and the city of Los Angeles.

Welcome to NBA champions

Welcome to NBA champions.......