NBA

Devin Funchess has successfully made the transition from NFL player to pro hooper ... but he tells TMZ Sports he's not done yet -- he still wants to make it to the NBA!!

The ex-Carolina Panthers wideout has been training for years to establish himself as a big-time baller on the hardwood ... and so far, the journey's gone well.

He's played overseas at a few stops ... with his most recent contract coming from the Colombia Basketball League -- and he says he's pleased with how the new career's going.

Warning -- if you're enjoying your Friday supper, ya may wanna put down the quinoa bowl before reading this one.

NBA great Paul Pierce found himself in the hospital on Friday ... after suffering an incredibly gnarly finger injury that resulted in a ton of blood and a few broken bones.

The Boston Celtics legend alerted his fans of his current medical status just minutes ago ... showing him decked out in a gown while in a hospital bed.

Magic Johnson's innocent comment about Stephen Curry's mom has led to some hilarious reactions on social media ... with many quick to question what exactly the NBA legend meant with the shoutout.

The Hall of Famer went to X to congratulate the Golden State Warriors superstar on winning the PWBA Magic Johnson award on Thursday ... which is an accolade that recognizes players who display "cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans" throughout the season.

But it was how Johnson ended his statement that got everybody worked up ... 'cause he mentioned the fact he had a blast with Curry's mom, Sonya, earlier in the week.

Congratulations are in order for NBA star Jalen Green and Draya Michele -- the two just welcomed their baby girl into the world ... and the "Basketball Wives" alum says she's "forever grateful" for the little bundle of joy.

Michele, 39, revealed the news on Friday ... saying Mother's Day has always been hard to celebrate since her dad passed away on the holiday in 2021, but it has now taken on a "different" meaning after her newborn arrived on May 12.

"My daughter was safely brought into this world," Michele said on the IG post, "and I'm forever grateful for the new memories we all get to experience moving forward."

A cause of death for ex-NBA player Darius Morris still remains a mystery ... but TMZ Sports has learned law enforcement does not believe foul play was involved.

The former LA Lakers guard was found dead in his home by his family in the Los Angeles area on May 2 ... and authorities are still working to determine how exactly the 33-year-old passed.

Our sources say, however, there were no signs of nefarious acts ... and no drugs were found at the scene either.

Donovan Mitchell is speaking out amid reports of tension with his current Cleveland Cavaliers teammates ... saying he's "sick" of all the BS.

The long-form pieces have been coming in left and right following the Wine and Gold's exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday ... with many putting a spotlight on Spida's status with the team.

One report from cleveland.com cited sources claiming Mitchell "grew frustrated with some teammates' lack of maturity, focus, playoff-level readiness and a willingness to listen," during the 2023-24 campaign ... but the five-time All-Star was quick to refute the notion hours after the article went live.

Shaquille O'Neal stands on business ... and good luck moving the 7'1" Big Fella!!

TMZ Sports caught up with the 4-time NBA champion this week -- days after his on-air exchange with this year's NBA MVP Nikola Jokic -- and Shaq ain't backing down even a little!!

"Let me say something to all the people that are not smart enough to comprehend what I say," O'Neal told Babcock. "Never said I didn't like Joker, never said anything bad about the Joker. Joker is the best big man in a long time. I just said that I thought Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should've gotten the MVP."

The man who could've potentially turned a hundred bucks into a whopping $1.7 MILLION on one bet is taking the guaranteed money and running ... cashing out of his viral championship-winner parlay at $80,900.

Wayne Shelton became internet famous over the past few weeks ... after it was revealed he was an Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals title away from becoming a millionaire thanks to a three-leg parlay he placed last year -- when he picked OKC, the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Chiefs to win their respective championships at +1143000 odds (with 50% boost).

Of course, the Rangers and Chiefs did their part ... leaving Shelton one leg away from a MASSIVE payday -- but with each Thunder win and loss in the 2024 playoffs, his cashout option fluctuated like crazy.

Rudy Gobert apparently didn't learn the first time around -- the Minnesota Timberwolves Defensive Player of the Year was fined AGAIN for making a money gesture toward officials during a game ... this time, getting hit with a $75k punishment.

Gobert was clearly upset with calls during the Wolves' Game 4 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday ... and an offensive foul late in the fourth quarter led the 31-year-old to throw up another money gesture -- implying the refs were influenced by sports betting.

The league announced the consequences on Tuesday ... saying Gobert was fined 75 racks for making an "inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the league and its game officials."

Shaquille O'Neal let the candy out of the bag this week ... with the Big Fella (accidentally) revealing he's dropping a new gummie with "the biggest candy player in the world!"

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, Shaq was talking hoops with TMZ Sports on Monday when the Hall of Famer's hunger got the best of him, and he exposed a bag that read, "Shaq A Licious XL Gummies"

Are you coming out with candy, we asked?!

LeBron James put the wine in Wine and Gold on Monday ... hitting up the Cleveland Cavaliers' home playoff game against the Boston Celtics with an entire bottle of vino in hand.

The local hero hit up his old stomping grounds to catch the Game 4 matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse ... and when Bron, Savannah and his agent, Rich Paul, made their way to their courtside seats, the folks in attendance showed their appreciation for the Cavs legend.

The team even gave James a special shoutout on the Humongotron ... with a brief montage of his Cavs career highlights, including Cleveland's thrilling 2016 NBA Finals win over the Golden State Warriors.

Magic Johnson claims he has no idea who the Lakers' next head coach will be ... but he definitely knows who it WON'T be -- Magic Johnson -- 'cause the Hall of Famer tells TMZ Sports those days are long gone.

The Purple and Gold are currently coach-less after parting ways with Darvin Ham following his second season at the helm ... and when we caught up with the legend last week, he didn't want to speculate on who could fill the seat he briefly held three decades back.

"I couldn't tell ya," Magic said when asked about the vacancy in Beverly Hills. "It's up to the Lakers and Jeanie [Buss] and Rob Pelinka. I hope they get a good one, though."

Khloe Kardashian is turning Tristan Thompson's latest NBA game into a family affair ... turning up to his game with a very special entourage -- including their kids.

The reality star and her 2 children with Tristan -- daughter True and son Tatum -- popped up at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Monday ... where the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face against the Boston Celtics for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... this game is extra special as it's the first time True and Tatum are seeing Papa Bear play professionally. We're told True has been asking to go to a game ... and so Khloe wanted to make this a special outing for her.

A huge step in the right direction for Bronny James' professional basketball ambitions -- the Los Angeles Lakers superstar's son has been medically cleared for the NBA following his July 2023 cardiac arrest.

The 19-year-old guard was recently checked out by the league's Fitness to Play Panel (which consists of three physicians) leading up to this week's pre-draft combine in Chicago, according to ESPN ... and was given the green light to be a full participant in workouts.

The outlet says Bronny will participate in the 5-on-5 scrimmages starting Tuesday ... which will give him the opportunity to show what he can do against fellow draft hopefuls.

Mac McClung's vert may be just a smidge less next dunk contest ... 'cause the high-flying hooper just got his whole arm tatted in NYC!

TMZ Sports has learned the 25-year-old guard hit up tattoo artist Michelle Santana out in SoHo after peeping some of her work on social media.

We're told McClung wanted an arm sleeve with sentimental meaning ... so the two got together at Bang Bang Tattoo and created a showpiece.