The All-Star game at Los Angeles (8 p.m. EST).

SOPHS, AMARE REIGN

Amare Stoudamire had 36 points and 11 rebounds to help the sophomores beat the rookies 142-118 on Friday night in the Rookie Challenge. LeBron James led the rookies with 33 points.

BAKER WAIVED

The Celtics requested waivers on Vin Baker on Friday, a step toward releasing the former All-Star and saving the $36 million they owe him over the next 2{ seasons. Baker was suspended indefinitely Jan. 23 for violating a testing program he agreed to last season when he left the team to check into rehab. He missed his 10th consecutive game Thursday night, triggering a clause in the agreement that gives the Celtics control over his future.

SCORING

Philadelphia's Allen Iverson leads the NBA in scoring with a 27.4 average. Orlando's Tracy McGrady is second at 27.2, followed by Sacramento's Peja Stojakovic at 25.4.

SIDELINED

Orlando forward Pat Garrity, who has played in only two games because of a bad right knee, will have more surgery and miss the rest of the season.

SIGNING

The New York Knicks signed guard DerMarr Johnson for the rest of the season Friday. Johnson, originally signed to a 10-day contract Feb. 3, has played 15 minutes in three games.

SPEAKING

``It's a rags-to-riches story. When he did it in the East, people didn't believe in him, but now he's doing it in the West. What else can he do?'' _ Sacramento's Bobby Jackson, on the emergence of teammate Brad Miller.