Frust » June 21.Cech denied the teams poor performance at the tourna

LOS ANGELES -- Another chapter of storylines unfolds when the Los Angeles Lakers tip off their 2016-17 campaign Wednesday night.Last season, it was Kobe Bryants final year that grabbed the headlines, punctuated by a 60-point performance in his last game and a rare Lakers win.This time its Luke Walton stepping into the spotlight as he begins his first season as coach when the Lakers face the Houston Rockets at Staples Center in the season opener for both clubs.Walton replaces Byron Scott, who was dismissed after a franchise-worst 17-65 run last season. While Scott was known as a taskmaster and clashed with players, Walton brings a laid-back approach that the Lakers believe suits his young club well.I like leading by love, Walton said, according to the L.A. Times. But I had hippie parents so thats to be expected. Its the way I was raised.Walton, formerly the top assistant at Golden State under Steve Kerr, rose as a hot coaching property last season by guiding the Warriors to a 39-4 mark and winning an NBA-record 24 in a row to open the season as interim coach during Kerrs absence for health reasons.Walton already was on the radar of up-and-coming assistants destined for NBA coaching jobs, but that successful stretch expedited his elevation.Obviously, the Lakers job has major challenges. Walton will attempt to mix a crop of young talent (DAngelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and rookie No. 2 pick Brandon Ingram) and blend it with a core of veterans (Lou Williams, Luol Deng, Jose Calderon, Timofey Mozgov and Nick Young).Theres no better guy to lead a franchise and teach a franchise from a youthful perspective that he brings to the game with maturity and knowledge, Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson told the Orange County Register recently. He sees the game on a different level. Theres so many levels at this game. Theres so many games within a game. Few can see it with substance the way that he does.Mike DAntoni will return for the first time as a head coach since he quit the Lakers job after the 2013-14 season because the club refused to extend him a long-term deal.James Harden, the NBAs second-leading scorer at 29 points per game last season, leads a Rockets team that will play for the first time in three campaigns without center Dwight Howard, who bolted to Atlanta as a free agent.I think everybody is excited, everybodys ready to get going. Weve had a good preseason, said DAntoni, whose club finished 5-2 in exhibitions. Weve got still a lot of growth thats got to going on and weve got to get a lot better, but I think were at a reasonably good point.The Rockets will play without guard Patrick Beverly, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday. Beverly is expected to miss at least three weeks.We have to have a couple of guys (who) are going to step up without Pat, DAntoni said.In addition to Harden, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and Nene are among those players expected to carry to the load. Frank Gore Youth Jersey . Jay Feely kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime, and the Cardinals edged the Tennessee Titans 37-34 in overtime after blowing a 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Matt Breida Jersey . Self was acquired from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Jimmy-Garoppolo-Jersey/ . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. Dee Ford Womens Jersey . The next step is a better finish. Bae played bogey-free Friday on another gorgeous day at Riviera for a 5-under 66, giving him a one-shot lead over Aaron Baddeley and Robert Garrigus going into the weekend. Steve Young Womens Jersey .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. PRAGUE -- Petr Cech retired from international football on Friday after a record 124 appearances in the Czech Republic goal.The 34-year-old Cech announced his decision after he was named the best Czech footballer of the last season for the 10th time in a poll of sports journalists.Its final, Cech said. He added he wants to fully focus on his Arsenal club.I like to do things fully focused. And a time might come when I need a rest. It may not be now, but the World Cup qualifying takes two years, and it wouldnt be right to announce in the middle of it that I dont feel like playing. Thats the reason for me to make the decision right now. A beautiful chapter is over.From his Czech debut at age 19 in 2002, a 2-0 victory over Hungary, Cech became a mainstay in the team. His last match was a 2-0 loss to Turkey in the final group-stage game at the European Championship in France on June 21.Cech denied the teams poor performance at the tournament influenced his decision too quit.ddddddddddddI made the decision before the European Championship, he said. Of course, it would be better to say goodbye after a victory.The highlight of Cechs international career came at Euro 2004, when the Czechs reached the semifinals. He helped the team qualify for every continental championship since, and played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.Cech follows Sparta Prague striker David Lafata and Bordeaux midfielder Jaroslav Plasil, who announced their retirements immediately after the game against Turkey.Also, coach Pavel Vrba terminated his contract with the national team last week to manage Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League.Czech Football Association head Miroslav Pelta said on Friday he wanted Karel Jarolim to take over the national team as coach. Jarolim still has a contract with Czech club Mlada Boleslav. ' ' '