Houston Rockets  center Yao Ming, left, of China, is defended by Los Angeles Lakers  forward Pau Gasol (16), of Spain, during the second quarter of Game 3 of a second-round Western Conference NBA playoff basketball game in Houston, Friday, May 8, 2009. AP Photo logo AP Photo 33 months ago

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, left, of China, is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16), of Spain, during the second quarter of Game 3 of a second-round Western Conference NBA playoff basketball game in Houston, Friday, May 8, 2009.