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December 21, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

area

James pitches ABC on TV drama

CLEVELAND — LeBron James and movie star, rapper and producer Ice Cube have teamed up to pitch ABC on a one-hour television drama based on James’ life.

The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar and Cube met with network executives late in the summer. They are developing a script with the hopes of having the show on the air next fall.

James said before playing the Denver Nuggets in Denver Friday night that he wants to use what happened to him as a kid as an inspiration.

James said the story won’t just be about basketball. He says he also wants to portray the pressures of his friends and dealing with those who want to take advantage of him.

James will serve as a producer on the project, which is being done in association with his new production company, SpringHill Productions.

nation

Kim in Chevron lead

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Anthony Kim matched the best score of the week with a 5-under 67, taking a one-shot lead when Jim Furyk found the water for double bogey on the 18th hole Saturday at the Chevron World Challenge.

Kim was worried about rust coming off a five-week break, but his putter worked just fine in making six birdies at Sherwood Country Club. He was at 8-under 208.

Furyk made back-to-back birdies to regain the lead, but from a tough stance in the rough, his approach came up well short and into the pond in front of the 18th green. That led to double bogey for a 70, but still put him in range of another win in the silly season.

Kim will try to make it 2-for-2 in tournaments hosted by Tiger Woods.

No PGA work force cut

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The PGA Tour does not plan to cut its work force as other sports organizations have done, commissioner Tim Finchem said Saturday in reflecting on what he called a solid financial performance in golf.

Finchem said the tour has cut travel, entertainment and other costs in trying to add to its reserves during a tough economy.

“Layoffs, we’ve been able to avoid to date,” he said at the Chevron World Challenge after having lunch with host Tiger Woods.

Farmar to miss games

LOS ANGELES — Lakers guard Jordan Farmar will miss at least three games because of a knee injury he sustained in Friday night’s 89-87 loss to the Miami Heat.

Farmar went for a layup in the fourth quarter and landed awkwardly. He had an MRI exam Saturday in Florida that showed a tear in the meniscus of his left knee. The Lakers said Farmar will fly back to Los Angeles today and will be examined Monday by a team doctor.

world

Valuev stops Holyfield

ZURICH, Switzerland — Nikolai Valuev likely ended Evander Holyfield’s last chance at winning a fifth heavyweight title, narrowly defending his WBA title by majority decision on Saturday night.

The 46-year-old American, attempting to become the oldest heavyweight to win a major belt, started the fight by moving around the ring to neutralize Valuev’s long reach advantage.

The 7-foot Russian, the tallest and heaviest champion ever, struggled to close down Holyfield early but began asserting his jab as Holyfield tired.

One judged scored the bout a draw, while the others had Valuev winning 116-112 and 115-114.

Vindicator staff/wire reports