Rodman sings happy birthday to North Korean leader

Dennis Rodman has sung ``Happy Birthday'' to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before leading a squad of former NBA stars onto the court at a Pyongyang stadium for a game Rodman said is part of his ``basketball diplomacy'' with the North that has been heavily criticized in the United States.

Rodman dedicated the game Wednesday to his ``best friend'' Kim, who along with his wife and other senior officials and their wives watched from a special seating area.

The capacity crowd of about 14,000 clapped loudly as Rodman sang a verse from the birthday song.

Along with Rodman, the former NBA players included ex-All Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker. Also on the roster were Craig Hodges, Doug Christie, Charles D. Smith and four streetballers. (AP)