LOS ANGELES – Anybody who watched Justin Timberlake school former NBA player Kenny Smith at the 2002 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game knows that the pop star’s got game.

Or they at least understand why Kenny Smith has never talked about coming back to the NBA.

Either way, Turner Sports is taking advantage of the former “N Sync crooner’s enduring popularity, bringing him onboard as a special correspondent.

Timberlake, whose first solo album, “Justified,” has sold more than 2 million copies, will contribute ongoing features and make appearances at various sporting events on Turner Network Television and on the TBS Superstation including NBA, NASCAR and PGA events.

-Zap2it

“We are excited at what this unique marriage between the world of sports and entertainment can bring to our high-profile sports properties,” said Mike Pearl, executive producer for Turner Sports. “Justin’s interest and enthusiasm not only in the NBA, but in all sports should help provide our broadcasts with a new, fresh approach.”

“The NBA Playoffs … Justified,” a series of features Timberlake shot with NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, will air starting this week as part of TNT’s coverage of the second round of the NBA playoffs. In the spots, Magic describes players who have “Old School” styles and skills, while Timberlake breaks down the hoopsters whose skills are decidedly “New School.”

On a scale of post-band career moves by “N Sync-ers, Timberlake joining Turner probably ranks below Joey Fatone appearing on Broadway in “Rent” and in the $200 million-grosser “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” but probably well above Lance Bass trying to launch himself into orbit.

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Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

AP-NY-05-07-03 1811EDT

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