Top of the list

The Lakers were the NBA's most valuable franchise in 2008-09, according to figures released today by Forbes magazine. The franchise is worth $607 million, ending the New York Knicks' four-year reign as the most valuable team in the league. New York dropped to second for 2008-09, worth a hefty $586 million.The Chicago Bulls ($511 million), the Detroit Pistons ($479 million) and the Cleveland Cavaliers ($476 million) comprised the rest of the top five. The Clippers, the Lakers' co-tenants at Staples Center, were 23rd ($295 million).