The Lakers are the NBA's most valuable team, and 12 franchises lost money in the 2008-09 season, according to Forbes magazine.

In its annual listing of the value of NBA franchises, Forbes finds the Lakers to be worth $607 million, up 4 percent for the league champions. Second are the Knicks at $586 million, but that is a 4 percent drop. The Knicks led the rankings the four previous seasons.

The Bulls ($511 million), Pistons ($479 million) and Cavaliers ($476 million) round out the top five.

At the bottom of the 30-team rankings are the Bucks at $254 million. The league average worth is $367 million, down 4 percent, according to Forbes.

•Celtics guard Marquis Daniels had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. The team announced that the procedure was performed Wednesday. He is averaging 5.7 points, two rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19 games this season.

•Guard Ben Gordon sat out the Pistons' game Wednesday night against Philadelphia because of a sprained left ankle.

- Associated Press