Akron, Ohio — Padraig Harrington broke par for the second straight day, something he hasn’t done in four months. Two more days like that and it could lead to something he hasn’t done in a year.

Without a victory since the PGA Championship, Harrington tread carefully across Firestone on Friday for a 1-under 69 that gave him a one-shot lead over Tim Clark (68) going into the weekend at the Bridgestone Invitational.

Harrington didn’t put much stock into his opening round of 64, and he wasn’t ready to declare himself the favorite to win his first World Golf Championship. Even so, he conceded that consecutive good rounds were helpful.

“I’m obviously pleased,” said Harrington, who was at 7-under 133. “I shot a good score yesterday — put me up there — and it’s nice to shoot a reasonable score to back it up. Break 70 on the weekend a few more times and I should be doing OK.”

Tiger Woods, a six-time winner at Firestone, was among 20 players within five shots of the lead.

NBA

LeBron’s options open

Akron, Ohio — LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike, James, who has given no indication he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 with an option so he would have more flexibility once it expires.

“I signed a contract in 2006 with an option,” he said. “It would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn’t keep my options open. I’ll let you fill in the blanks.”

Source: Wallace to Detroit

Detroit — A person with knowledge of the deal says Ben Wallace is coming back to the Detroit Pistons.

Wallace will receive a $1.3 million, one-year deal, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed. Wallace is expected to do that early next week.

Hawks re-sign Williams

Atlanta — The Atlanta Hawks re-signed forward Marvin Williams on Friday, their last bit of unfinished offseason business.

GM: Roy pillar in Portland

Portland, Ore. — Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard called Brandon Roy a pillar of the franchise at a press conference Friday during which he formally announced Roy’s multiyear contract extension.

Pritchard said it was “an amazing day” and that he looked forward to Roy’s future with the team.

Nuggets swap Hunter

Memphis, Tenn. — The Denver Nuggets swapped Steven Hunter, a protected 2010 first-round pick and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future conditional second rounder, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Friday.

The trade could give Memphis three first-round selections in the 2010 draft. The Grizzlies already are owed the Lakers’ 2010 pick to complete the February 2008 trade that sent Pau Gasol to Los Angeles.

Baseball

A’s release Giambi

Oakland, Calif. — Jason Giambi’s second stint with the Oakland Athletics didn’t pan out as either side had hoped.

On Friday, they parted ways — most certainly for good this time.

Giambi was released by the A’s, cutting short the struggling slugger’s return to his first major-league club. It’s unclear whether he will catch on with another club or whether this could be the end of a 15-year career.

Twins acquire Pavano

Minneapolis — Craving help for their starting rotation, the Minnesota Twins have turned to Carl Pavano.

The Twins agreed Friday to send the Cleveland Indians a player to be identified later in exchange for Pavano, a one-time All-Star whose career derailed in New York during four injury-ruined seasons with the Yankees.

Red Sox cut Smoltz

New York — John Smoltz may have thrown the last pitch of his storied career.

The Boston Red Sox cut the struggling Smoltz on Friday, a day after the New York Yankees sent the 42-year-old righty to yet another early exit.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein traveled down to New York to tell Smoltz personally that the team had designated him for assignment. The move gives Boston 10 days to trade or release him.

RHP Schmidt on DL

Los Angeles — The Dodgers placed right-hander Jason Schmidt on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of problems with his surgically repaired shoulder, and recalled infielder Tony Abreu from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Bedard’s status in limbo

Seattle — Erik Bedard has fraying in his pitching shoulder, putting his season and perhaps his tenure with the Mariners in limbo.

Auto racing

Johnson wins pole

Watkins Glen, N.Y. — Jimmie Johnson has won the Sprint Cup pole at Watkins Glen International.

Johnson turned a lap at 123.633 mph in 71.34 seconds to earn the first road course pole of his career in a qualifying effort. Johnson edged Kurt Busch, who turned at lap at 123.619 mph and 71.35 seconds. Denny Hamlin was third at 123.093 mph and 71.65 seconds for Sunday’s race at The Glen.

Tennis

Roddick advances

Washington — Andy Roddick defeated big-hitting Ivo Karlovic, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), in the quarterfinals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic on Friday.

NCAA

Academic options evaluated

Indianapolis — The NCAA’s Board of Directors is evaluating a proposal that would require incoming freshmen men’s basketball players in need of academic help to take six credit hours in summer school. The player would have to pass three hours to be able to play.

The Basketball Academic Enhancement Group also recommended allowing players that take summer classes to participate in eight hours per week of athletic activities.

NHL

Crosby brings trophy home

Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia — Sidney Crosby brought quite the present to his hometown during a celebration of his 22nd birthday.

The Penguins captain arrived in Halifax on Friday carrying the Stanley Cup, landing in a military helicopter on the flight deck of HMCS Preserver. Crosby then took the NHL’s iconic championship trophy on a tour of Cole Harbour.