Game 5 of the Mavericks' first-round playoff series is Tuesday night in New Orleans, and has there ever been a bigger waste of jet fuel? They knew going in that Game 4 was when their season would swing. It swung, all right.

The Jason Kidd era is over in New Jersey. The New Jersey Nets and Dallas on Tuesday completed a trade sending the all-star to the Mavericks, who now have one of the NBA's best point guards as they look toward the playoffs.

New Jersey/Dallas guard Jason Kidd eased himself into a chair in a hotel ballroom to meet with reporters Friday, a player requirement for All-Star weekend during the NBA's version of Super Bowl media day.

Kobe Bryant will start for the Western Conference in the All- Star game, and Jason Kidd will be in the lineup for the East. Probably.

Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - The New Jersey Nets and Dallas Mavericks have reportedly agreed to a trade that would send veteran guard Jason Kidd back to his original team.