The Bulls question their ability to beat the Heat in a seven-game series without making a move, according to a source.

Chicago has expressed interest in Pau Gasol and would quickly deal Carlos Boozer to the Lakers in a deal.

But the Lakers would likely want Luol Deng included, which would be a non-starter for Chicago.

Luol Deng wore a T-shirt honoring Africa during pre-game introductions at the All-Star Game, raising awareness while also risking a potential fine.

"If I get fined, I'm OK," he told ESPN. "To me, what I did is worth it for me. I wouldn't do something that's negative. I'm not advertising anything.

"I just felt like being where I'm from and where I came from, it's something that I always wanted to see as a kid. I'm sure there's a kid out there, or a lot of kids, who really enjoyed it and made them happy to see that."

LeBron James can take over a game with his scoring, but believes his skill set is more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan because of his passing ability, unselfishness and gregarious personality.

“Champions come in different shapes, sizes and forms,” James said. “Everyone always compares Kobe to Jordan and says they always have had that killer mentality. They always had that dagger, that dog. Then you look at Magic [Johnson], and people say that he was fun to play with. He was great. He always had his teammates’ back. He always got his teammates involved. He was a champion as well.

“They come in different shapes and sizes and forms and different colors as well. For me, I see myself on the side of the Magic range where I love my teammates, love being around them. I want them to be happy as well. At the same time, dominate the game, as well. I got a long way to go still to get to [Jordan’s and Bryant’s] levels to get multiple championships. Hopefully, I can get there someday.”

Derrick Rose and adidas have agreed on an endorsement package that could pay more than $200 million across the remainder of his career, according to a source.

Rose will be guaranteed $185 million over his 13-year deal and incentives could increase the total value to over $200 million.

Rose signed the deal on Friday in Orlando.

LeBron James believes Derrick Rose has changed the point guard position.

"It's amazing, honestly," James said on Friday afternoon. "Derrick has definitely evolved the point guard position. He's doing it; him and Russell [Westbrook] are two guys with speed, athleticism, can score, can pass, can jump, can do everything at the point guard position. I think D-Rose from end to end, is probably one of the fastest, quickest guys that we have with the ball in our game. It's always exciting to get out there with him."

Dwyane Wade sees some of himself in Rose.

"I see a lot of the things I did when I was younger, probably on a little bit more athletic of a level with him," Wade said. "But I do see the things that he does and I'll be like, 'Man, I used to do that.' or 'Man, I've done that before.' But he does it at another notch up than even when I did it. He's so athletic and he's so fast. ... We're going to compete against each other. We're going to play against each other, but from Chicago, in a sense I'm proud to say that we're from the same place. And the person that he is as well. That kid right there, he's going to be a star in this league for many years to come. He's an unbelievable talent."

Tom Thibodeau is coaching in the second year of a two-year agreement with the Bulls, with a team option for a third season.

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf backed Thibodeau, adding there is nothing to announce now.

"Tom does a great job with this team, and you see the results of his hard work every time the players take the court," Reinsdorf wrote. "We certainly hope and expect that Tom will be with the Bulls well beyond his current contract. However, there is nothing to announce at this time."

Derrick Rose said his back is pain-free and he expects to play in the All-Star game this weekend.

"My back is feeling good," Rose said. "I’m not worried about it anymore. I don’t feel any pain. I’m stretching a lot, making sure I’m loose."

Rose is making regular visits to a chiropractor and doing more stretching.

"I’ll go see him after shootarounds and on days off," Rose said. "I go there for an hour so he can work on me and just get back to what I’m doing.

"I’m good. I don’t feel any pain in my back. My hamstring isn’t tight. I feel loose. Fatigue is another thing from not playing. But it’s coming along."

Tom Thibodeau typically would spend the All-Star break working intensively for the Bulls. He doesn't envision the increased workload of serving as Eastern Conference coach as something that will detract from the work he would otherwise be doing.

"The All-Star Game is a great event for the league and fans," he said. "It's an honor to be there, but my (work) priority is with the Bulls. And I can manage to do both."

Derrick Rose refuted two published reports that he made it known to management of the Bulls that he would like to play with Pau Gasol if it could trade Carlos Boozer.

"That's something I wouldn't say to anyone, that I need someone to come to this team or I'm trying to get rid of someone on this team," Rose said. "It was all false. I'm good with the teammates I have."

Joel Przybilla has agreed to sign with the Blazers, according to a source.

Przybilla spent several seasons with Portland before being traded last February to the Bobcats.

Przybilla, who also considered signing with the Heat, Bulls and Bucks, will bring veteran frontcourt play to Portland.