THREE POINTS

NO SLAM DUNK

Though the U.S. was recently placed in Group B with teams including Brazil and Canada for the FIBA Americas Championship in August that serves as a qualifier for the 2008 Olympics, LeBron James appears to be wavering on his three-year commitment.

“I’m looking forward to playing on the team, but I’m not 100%” said James, adding that the dislocated shoulder suffered by Dwyane Wade could affect his decision on the Las Vegas event. “It makes it less appealing. It’s something I’m going to have to think about.”

MORE LIKE THE BLUES

Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko’s struggles have worsened.

Averaging 8.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots this season, he is at only 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks since the All-Star break -- far off the 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks of last season.

Kirilenko is perhaps partially hurt by the rise of Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams. “We have so many different guys, we’re a different team, so he doesn’t get the chances he got before,” Coach Jerry Sloan said.

REGRETS FROM MIAMI

“I am kind of disappointed in myself because if I make free throws, I’d be at 30,000 [points] rather than 25,000.”

That was Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal after surpassing 25,000 points last month.

He is not far off, considering his 52.6% shooting while making only 5,256 of 9,992 in his career.

If, for instance, he made 80% of his free throws, O’Neal would have 2,737 more points, giving him 28,060 instead of 25,323.

--PAUL NETTER