Clippers’ Livingston Sidelined by Bad Back

Shaun Livingston’s sore back could become painful for the Clippers too.

The second-year point guard sat out the team’s exhibition opener against Dallas, a 95-80 victory Wednesday, and is not expected to play tonight against Sacramento at Staples Center.

Livingston, sidelined 52 games in his rookie season because of knee and shoulder injuries, participated in limited activity during training camp at Santa Barbara City College because of the injury he suffered during informal workouts at the Spectrum health club in El Segundo.

There’s no reason for concern to this point because “Shaun knows what he needs to do for us,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said, “and there’s still plenty of time for him to get ready before the season starts.”

The Clippers plan for the 6-foot-7 player to have a major role this season as the backup to starter Sam Cassell, so their concern level would rise the longer Livingston was sidelined.

“You’d like for him to get a few games under his belt before the season starts,” Dunleavy said. “You play and prepare like you’re not going to have him, but he knows everything we do, so that’s not an issue. And he’s in good shape.”

Livingston has received therapy, including heat stimulus and an individually designed stretching program, and recently began undergoing acupuncture. He said there’s no timetable for his exhibition debut.

Meanwhile, center Chris Kaman is scheduled to undergo an X-ray today on his injured left thumb.

Kaman will sit out exhibition games today and Saturday following the death of his grandmother.

Forward Elton Brand (thigh bruise), who sat out the victory over Dallas, might not play tonight, Dunleavy said.

-- Jason Reid

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Cleveland Cavalier All-Star forward LeBron James remained hospitalized in Cleveland with pain in his chest from what the team called a strained muscle.

James, 20, was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic for tests Wednesday night, hours after he was wincing during practice. James said he doesn’t know how he got the injury, which team doctors initially diagnosed as a strained left pectoral.

The Cavaliers did not reveal James’ hospital stay until Thursday afternoon when he missed practice.

General Manager Danny Ferry said tests on James have not shown anything abnormal, and his understanding is that James’ heart “is not an issue.”

“They’re going to test everything,” Ferry said.

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GOLF

Baird Takes First-Round Lead in Las Vegas

Briny Baird shot a 10-under 62 to take the first-round lead in the PGA Tour’s Michelin Championship at Las Vegas, which is played on two courses.

Baird played at the TPC at Summerlin, where par is 72. The other course being used for the first two rounds, the TPC at the Canyons, is a par 71.

Ryan Palmer shot a nine-under 62 at the Canyons, and Charles Howell III had a nine-under 63 at Summerlin. The players will switch courses today and the final two rounds will be played at Summerlin. Five golfers were at eight under.

Seve Ballesteros, 48, making his comeback after a two-year absence from tournament golf, struggled to a six-over 77 in the first round of the Madrid Open.

His poor round was magnified by the play of leaders Robert Karlsson and Mark Roe, who shot eight-under 63s at the Club de Campo in suburban Madrid. Darren Clarke and Raphael Jacquelin had 64s.

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JURISPRUDENCE

Moore’s Lawsuit Against Bertuzzi Is Dismissed

Former Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore’s lawsuit over a vicious hit by Todd Bertuzzi was dismissed in Denver, and the judge advised him to take the case to Canada.

Moore’s claims would be better handled in Canada because that’s where the hit happened and all the defendants are based there, Denver District Judge Shelley Gilman said. Her ruling was in agreement with attorneys for Bertuzzi, the Canucks and others.

Darko Milicic of the Detroit Pistons was arrested in suburban Detroit and charged with driving with a suspended license. He posted $100 bond and was released, police said.

Former Dallas Cowboy player Dwayne Goodrich was ordered to start a 7 1/2 -year prison sentence for the hit-and-run deaths of two good Samaritans in Dallas in 2003.

Goodrich has exhausted his appeals since being convicted in August 2003, seven months after his car struck three men trying to free a trapped motorist on an interstate. The third man was seriously injured.

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BASEBALL

A’s Receive Permission to Interview Hershiser

The Oakland A’s received permission to interview Texas pitching coach Orel Hershiser for their vacant manager’s job, Ranger spokesman Gregg Elkin said.

New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner responded to pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who said Wednesday he didn’t expect to return for an 11th season with the team and criticized Steinbrenner’s treatment of Manager Joe Torre.

Steinbrenner responded Thursday in a release issued by the team.

“While it is no secret that I can be a very difficult boss, Mel has always conducted himself as a professional and a gentleman. I wish he and [wife] Jean much success and happiness in the future.”

Stottlemyre was at Yankee Stadium on Thursday but did not address the media.

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AUTO RACING

Sadler Wins the Pole for NASCAR Race

Elliott Sadler won the pole for Saturday’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway NASCAR race at Concord, N.C., with a track record of 193.216 mph, edging Ryan Newman. Jimmie Johnson will start third, Tony Stewart fourth, Bobby Labonte fifth and Mark Martin sixth.

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TENNIS

Blake Rallies to Defeat Rochus in Stockholm

James Blake rallied from a set down to beat Christophe Rochus, 6-7 (9), 7-5, 6-2, to reach the Stockholm Open quarterfinals.

Rochus’ older brother, Olivier, defeated Julien Benneteau, 6-4, 6-2, and 2002 Stockholm champion Paradorn Srichaphan advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Alexander Waske.

Defending champion Feliciano Lopez and top-seeded David Nalbandian advanced to the quarterfinals of the BA-CA Trophy tournament at Vienna.

Lopez defeated Oliver Marach, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-5, and Nalbandian had less trouble against Rainer Eitzinger, 6-1, 7-5.

Second-seeded Amelie Mauresmo lost, 6-1, 6-1, to Francesca Schiavone in the second round of the Kremlin Cup at Moscow.

On the men’s side, qualifier Igor Kunitsyn upset fifth-seeded Greg Rusedski, 7-6 (5), 6-3, and Dmitry Tursunov defeated eighth-seeded Filippo Volandri, 6-1, 7-6 (6).