NBA suspends Ty Lawson 3 games over drunken-driving case

HOUSTON (AP) The NBA has suspended Houston Rockets guard Ty Lawson for three games without pay for a drunken-driving case in California last year, starting with Thursday's home game against Utah.

Lawson will miss games against the Pacers and Grizzlies before he can return Jan. 13 against Minnesota.

Last month, the former Denver Nuggets guard was suspended for two games without pay for a drunken-driving case in Colorado last January. He pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired and a lane violation, and he faces up to 180 days in jail when he is sentenced Jan. 14.

The incident in Los Angeles happened in July, about the time he was traded to the Rockets.

In 32 games this season, Lawson is averaging 6.4 points and 4.3 assists over 24.8 minutes per game.