First it was Beats by Dre headphones in the locker room, now it's Flip Minos awkwardly distributed onstage at the MVP crowning. By the looks of it, Delonte West is pretty used to the Santa LeBron treatment—he's still waiting for the Range. [Sporting News]

Even though there's only one playoffs spot currently left somewhat up for grabs (hold on, Bulls!), you can use the app to keep track of standings. It'll deliver individual player stats for each completed game, and will tell you where to watch upcoming games on the schedule.

And best of all is the live score tracking, when you're away from your TV. And, it's free. Man, I've missed my Playoff night caps with Kenny, Ernie and Charles. Can't wait. Thanks, T-Mobile and the NBA, for keeping your mutual love going.

It's nice to know the new logo-emblazoned consoles weren't only for those on the '09 All Star roster: there's Al Harrington with one of several Obama-tagged PS3s, and there's the Rockets' Argentinean terror, big man Luis Scola with some kind of geometric doodling.

Actually, the Shepard Fairey print seems to be pretty popular—Thaddeus Young and actual All Star Paul Pierce also have it. Aside from LeBron's KING JAMES, Obama's mug seems to be the go-to adornment for an NBA baller's custom gaming console in 2009. Good info to keep filed away. All of them can expect to hear from AP's lawyers within 30 days. [PS3 Blog/Flickr via Kotaku]

Now, we will be eager to see exactly how this yanking process works, and if there is any room in it for protest, deliberation or out-and-out legal confrontation. Frankly, an automated censoring product seems a little bit scary. What is clear at this point is that this is Google's way of appeasing some of the angrier content owners who have already taken action. According to a wire report, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said today that the tool may at least help play down the allegation that YouTube encourages copyright infringement. "As that product rolls out, the issue becomes moot," said Schmidt.

Sure, but then what's to become of TIME's Person of the Year??? – Wilson Rothman

Google's copyright-protection tool unveiled [CNNMoney.com]

It has the innards of the stock Sidekick 3, but D-Wade has chosen a swank white, tan and gold exterior with a special basketball-textured back for easy gripping. Just don't slam-dunk it, D-Wade. No pricing information was available, but this looks like it would command a sizable premium over an ordinary Sidekick 3.

It's got back, too. Take a jump shot for a gander at its basketball-like dorsal side:

It's certainly not for those who favor understated elegance. – Charlie White

The D-Wade Limited Edition Sidekick 3 [Hiptop 3]

Spalding says its "Cross Traxxion" technology makes the ball easier to grip, more consistent from ball to ball than the old leather style, and also better able to resist moisture buildup. The $100 high-tech ball will be available online at the beginning of the NBA basketball season in October. A basketball for $100? Mkay. – Charlie White

NBA Introduces New Game Ball [NBA.com]

Fox TV signs iTunes deal with Apple [MacNN] and NBA, Apple ink iTunes 2006 playoff deal [MacNN]

NBA iPod Cases [New Launches]