NBA roundup: Cuban denies sexual misconduct charge

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban denied a claim by a woman in Oregon that he put his hand down her pants while posing for a photo in 2011.

Authorities did not pursue the claim and cited evidence contradicting the woman's account, which she alleged took place at a Portland nightclub.

Cuban said "it didn't happen" when questioned by The Associated Press about details published in the Willamette Week in Portland, Ore.

The report comes two weeks after Sports Illustrated published a story about the Mavericks' workplace environment under the team's previous CEO, Terdema Ussery, which alleged inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct.

--Two-time NBA defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard denied friction exists with the San Antonio Spurs and said he wants to play the remainder of his career with the team.

Leonard has played just nine games this season and none since Jan. 9 due to a right quadriceps injury. He spoke with reporters Wednesday and downplayed reports of a rift with the Spurs regarding the way his rehabilitation has been handled.

"Everything was done as a group," Leonard told the San Antonio Express-News. "I don't feel like nothing was friction. I talk to Pop (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) every day. ... He knew what I was doing the whole entire time, as well as the front office. We made a group decision, so it was me just going out and saying, 'I am going to go out and do this thing.' "

Asked when he thinks he's going to play again, Leonard responded, "Soon. I don't have a set date right now. I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing. The progression that I'm making has been great."

--Some people want LeBron James so bad, they want as many people as possible to see it, including the man himself.

Los Angeles Lakers season-ticket holder -- and personal injury attorney -- Jacob Emrani has put up four billboards around Los Angeles to help convince the Cleveland Cavaliers star to join the Lakers when he can become a free agent this offseason, ESPN reported. He also aimed some shots at both Cleveland and Philadelphia.

One sign reads, "Cleveland & Philly, You Can't Compete with L.A.," while another reads, "FORGET THE PROCESS, WE WIN BANNERS!"

James' Cavaliers are making a trip to Los Angeles and play the Lakers on Sunday. Cleveland plays in Los Angeles on Friday against the Clippers.

--Field Level Media

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