Basketball

Tristan Thompson suffered the consequences of hooking up with Jordyn Woods, and this time it was on the hardwood of L.A.

Tristan was at Staples Center Saturday night, where the Cleveland Cavaliers got creamed by the Clippers.

The video is amazing ... as Tristan stands at the free throw line during the 4th quarter, the crowd loudly chants, "Khloe, Khloe, Khloe!!!" They clearly got in his head, because he missed both shots.

The crowd booed him the entire game, and it worked. The Clippers trounced the Cavaliers 108 to 132.

No one seems to know the location of Zion Williamson's infamous blown-out Nike sneaker -- not Zion, not Duke, not even Nike ... and it's a huge problem considering it's worth around $250,000!!!

Of course, Zion exploded his left PG 2.5 PE sneaker during the Feb. 20 game against North Carolina -- injuring his knee in the process. Thankfully, he's better now.

But, what happened next? Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has said Nike reps came out to Durham and inspected the shoe in hopes of identifying the problem. But, it's unclear who has the shoe now.

So, when we spotted Zion and his Duke teammates in Washington, D.C. the other day, we asked the 18-year-old straight up ... who's got the shoe?

Zion smiled and told us, "Uh, ask coach about 'em."

So, we did! We hit up the Duke athletic dept., and a rep told us they have no idea where the shoes ended up.

Next call was to Nike -- maybe they have the shoe, right?

A Nike spokesperson told us ... “We’re thrilled to see Zion returning to the court. After working closely with the Duke Basketball team to examine the issue, we are confident this was an isolated incident. We continue to work with Duke, and all of our partner programs, to ensure we are providing the best product for their athletes.”

When we again asked who currently possessed the busted sneaker, Nike told us ... "I don't have any more information [on the location of the shoe]."

WHY HAS THIS BECOME SUCH A MYSTERY?!!

Our next call was to Ken Goldin from Goldin Auctions -- one of the leading sellers of sports memorabilia in the world. He just sold some of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's prized mementos for almost $3 MILLION!

Ken told us the shoes are INSANELY collectible -- and could fetch more than $250,000 on the open market!!

In fact, Ken believes the blown out shoe plus the matching intact sneaker are "the most famous pair of sneakers in the world, period. End of story."

Georgia stud WR Mecole Hardman can be Antonio Brown's replacement in Pittsburgh, so says the NFL draft prospect himself ... who tells TMZ Sports, "I can be that guy!"

Of course, the Steelers just lost A.B. after an offseason full of drama ... and now they've got a glaring hole at wideout heading into next month's NFL draft.

Enter Hardman -- a superstar with the Bulldogs -- who says he'd have no problem if Pittsburgh picked him to be A.B.'s replacement!

And, why?? Well, outside of realizing his NFL dreams ... he tells us he grew up a HUGE Steelers fan!!!

"My daddy was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, so he had put me on them when Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu and all them were there. Big Ben was just getting there, so like, I've been rocking with the Steelers for a minute."

Mecole's expected to go anywhere from the second round to the fifth round in April's draft ... but he fits the profile of a guy Pittsburgh could seriously consider.

The 21-year-old ran a 4.33 at the combine ... and crushed it with 7 TDs for the Bulldogs last season.

5:55 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the alleged victim told cops Porzingis pinned her down on a bed in his guest room, penetrated her vagina with his penis and then got violent.

The woman told cops he hit her in the face several times, spit on her, called her "my bitch" and "my slave" and said he owned her. We're told the accuser claims he stopped assaulting her as she was putting up a fight.

Former New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis is the target of an NYPD investigation after a woman came forward and accused him of rape ... TMZ has learned.

The woman claims Porzingis invited her to his Manhattan penthouse on February 7, 2018 -- just hours after he tore his ACL in a game at the Garden against the Bucks -- and held her down and raped her.

According to the New York Post ... the woman -- who's in her 20s and lived in the same building as Porzingis -- reported the rape to police Thursday ... and The Post claims investigators consider her story to be credible.

The accuser reportedly told cops Porzingis promised to give her $68,000 in hush money to pay for her brother’s college tuition, but then reneged ... which is why she waited to report the alleged sexual assault.

Porzingis was traded by the Knicks to the Dallas Mavericks in February. Mavs owner Mark Cuban says the team has been instructed by federal authorities not to comment on the rape allegation.

The NYPD’s Special Victims Division has reportedly taken over the case and is investigating.

We've reached out to Porzingis and his current and former teams ... no word back so far.

However, the player's attorney Roland G. Riopelle says they are aware of the woman's complaint and "unequivocally deny the allegations."

Charles Barkley has never been shy sharing his opinions -- especially about LaVar Ball -- and he's blasting the Big Baller dad once again ... claiming he is stealing Lonzo's spotlight.

We got Chuck outside CBS Studios in NYC Friday night ... and he was riding high following his alma mater Auburn's win over North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament.

He was signing autographs (but ONLY one each) and reveling in the victory -- including winning a bet with Stephen Colbert -- when we asked about the Ball family issues with Big Baller Brand.

Barkley tells us ... "[Lonzo's] dad is really unfortunate ... this whole thing has been about him from the beginning. You shouldn't try to piggyback on your kids, man. That ain't cool at all."

Charles adds it's Lonzo's time and LaVar needs to let him shine ... and go out and sign with a much better shoe company.

As we reported ... Lonzo's ditched the BBB, or at least his tattoo promoting it, but his dad claims the brand is still alive -- it just got bit by a snake.

Don't put a fork in the Big Baller Brand just yet ... LaVar Ball says the brand is NOT folding -- despite the fact Lonzo Ball just covered up his BBB tattoo.

The Big Baller appeared on 98.5 KLUC in Vegas to promote his Big Baller Brand All-American Game, which he says is going on as planned this weekend.

"The game is definitely still happening," LaVar says ... though he wouldn't say if his sons Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo would be on hand for the event.

The issue ... LaVar claims BBB co-founder Alan Foster stole $1.5 million from Lonzo -- and the Lakers star was so pissed, he covered up his BBB tattoo and is rumored to be considering a shoe deal with Nike.

But, LaVar believes the BBB brand is still alive and well -- and vows to fix things after Foster's alleged thievery.

"I'm not gonna let one roodypoo guy come in here and do something bad and then be like the brand's not good," Ball said.

"The brand is good. It's just somebody did something bad to it ... We had a snake up in the thing, but you gotta understand this -- I'm a snake charmer. When you're a snake charmer, you're gonna get bit."

Ball said he treated Foster "like a family member" and feels incredibly betrayed -- saying, "Is it worth $1.5 million to leave a family?"

How are Zion Williamson and the Duke Blue Devils getting ready for the biggest game of their season??

FILET MIGNON, BABY!!!!

TMZ Sports has learned Duke hoops hit up Mastro's Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night to fuel up on delicious meats before their monster tilt with Virginia Tech on Friday.

We're told the entire squad was there -- from Coach K and his wife to Zion to even the ball boys -- and they grubbed on steaks ... and, of course, the legendary butter cake!!!

We're told, in all, there were about 40 people in the Blue Devil party -- and even Barack Obama's best buddy, Reggie Love, showed up!!

Unclear who picked up the tab for the meal -- but it surely wasn't cheap ... Mastro's is known as one of the finest restaurants in the country, costin' about $50 per steak.

Consider Tony Benford the anti-Conor McGregor ... 'cause he's here to take part, not to take over ... telling TMZ Sports no matter how well LSU does in the tournament, it's still Will Wade's team.

Of course ... The Notorious famously said "we're not here just to take part, we're here to take over" at UFC Fight Night 46 back in July 2014.

The Tigers' interim head coach sees things the exact opposite ... telling us the suspended coach deserves all the cred if Benford leads the Purple and Gold deep into the tournament.

Wade was suspended indefinitely before the NCAA Tournament ... after Yahoo Sports reported that wiretapped conversations revealed Wade discussed making a "strong-ass" offer to a recruit.

Benford -- who couldn't have been nicer -- says the Tigers are looking forward to ruining a bunch of brackets against Michigan State later Friday ... and are enjoying every step of the journey.

But, say LSU wreaks havoc and makes it all the way to the Final Four ... that means Benford should take over, right??

It's 2019 and a grown ass man was arrested Saturday night for weed.

That man is ex-NBA player Kwame Brown ... who was busted in Georgia with a bunch of marijuana ... including pot-infused cookies, tea and mints.

The 2001 first overall pick was a passenger in his Mercedes-Benz van when it was pulled over by Brunswick PD late Saturday night ... when cops say his car REEKED of weed.

Kwame copped to having weed in the car ... and told law enforcement he had some in the trunk of the van. Sure enough, cops found a backpack with all the weed treats.

The 37-year-old was arrested and charged with felony possession of edible marijuana products and misdemeanor possession of less than one ounce of weed.

Worth noting -- Brown is MASSIVE. Like, 7-ft tall big ... and couldn't fit in a regular cop car, so the cops had to wait for a bigger vehicle to transport him for booking.

Brown was released shortly after posting bond later Saturday.

Brown played for 7 different teams during his career ... most notably the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers ... after jumping straight from high school to the Association.

Not even Zion Williamson can single-handedly help lift LeBron's Lakers to championship level ... so says Paul Pierce, who tells TMZ Sports, "Y'all need more than that!"

"Zion is not the savior, but he's very good -- but y'all need more than that!"

Of course, Zion could be in L.A.'s plans this offseason ... they're terrible and now have a shot at the No. 1 overall pick.

But, Pierce says if the Lakers somehow win the lottery and DO draft Zion, he tells us that won't be enough to get LBJ back to the finals.

"Y'all need a lot," Paul says ... "A lot. A lot."

The problem?? The big-name NBA free agents -- Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving -- don't seem to have much desire to play with LeBron in his old age.

But, there's good news for the King -- according to Pierce.

"LeBron is doing very well out here -- with his production company."

SHAAAAAAAAAAAAADDEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

What does LeBron James wear on his feet for a romantic dinner date at the hottest sushi spot in L.A.?? Nothin' fancy ... just a totally super rare set of kicks you'll never find in stores!!

The King and his beautiful wife, Savannah, met up with some friends at Nobu in Malibu while the Lakers played in Utah on Wednesday (LeBron stayed home in L.A.) ... and we were drawn to Bron's all white sneaks.

Turns out, LBJ was wearing a rare pair that us average Joes will never get our hands on -- the John Elliott x Nike LeBron Icon Whites ... which were only handed out to the closest of James' friends.

For reference, the grey versions of the same shoes (also only given to friends and family) are currently rocking price tags at some resale stores for more than $2,000.

Of course, LeBron's got a lifetime deal with the Swoosh ... so don't expect to see him reppin' anything else.

BTW -- the Lakers lost to the Jazz, 115-100 ... but who really cares at this point.

But man, what a flex just for dinner.

There's another element at play here ... LeBron's teammate, Lonzo Ball, is currently at a shoe crossroads after covering up his Big Baller Brand tattoo.

Seems Lonzo is severing ties with BBB in the wake of an alleged financial scandal with the co-founder of the Big Baller Brand ... and the former #2 overall draft pick could be on the hunt for another major sports apparel brand to endorse.

So, while he's in shoe limbo, Ball rocked a pair of $1,000 Dior sneakers earlier this week ... but c'mon, how much better would he look in a pair of Brons?

Stan Van Gundy knows exactly who the Lakers should make their head coach next season .... and they won't have to look hard to find him, considering he's already the head coach of the Lakers.

TMZ Sports spoke with the longtime head coach about rumors the Lake Show could ditch Luke Walton for Jason Kidd ... and while SVG loves the Hall of Famer's coaching skills, he says L.A. got it right the first time.

"Luke's done a great job and should remain their coach," SVG tells us.

Van Gundy says he's not so sure about whether J-Kidd crossed any lines going on TV to discuss his interest in the gig while it's clearly still Luke's team ... but his leadership is NOT something to question.

"I've coached against Jason for a few years ... he is a good coach."

Charles Barkley says there are no winners in the Jussie Smollett saga -- only losers -- and he feels TURRIBLE for the "real" victims of hate crimes whose stories will now be called into question.

"It's a really bad situation for everybody involved," Barkley told us in NYC ... "There's no winners. We're all losers."

Barkley has been ripping Smollett's tale about being attacked by homophobic racists for weeks -- even clowning the "Empire" actor as a liar on "Inside the NBA."

So, now that the 16 felony charges Smollett was facing for allegedly lying to police have been dropped -- we wondered if Barkley would back off Jussie.

Spoiler Alert: NO.

We asked Chuck if he thinks Jussie skated -- he replied, "That's an understatement."

Should Jussie have gone to jail?

"I don't think he shoulda went to jail, but it's unfortunate."

And, that's when Barkley told us about the "real victims" in the Smollett saga.

"Anybody who's gay who gets beat up, they're the real losers ... or black [people] who get beat up, they're the real losers."

As for Jussie, he maintains his innocence.

Lonzo Ball is an even BIGGER baller after bailing on the Big Baller Brand ... ditching his $500 shoes for a MORE EXPENSIVE pair for the Laker game Tuesday night.

TMZ Sports has learned ... the injured Zo elected to rock a pair of white Dior "B24" kicks while cheering on his teammates from the bench during the game against the Wizards ... which come with a hefty $960 price tag.

Of course ... all eyes have been on Lonzo's feet as he figures out his shoe future following the fallout with BBB. He's even dropped hints on social media about signing with Nike.

But, there were no Swooshes on his feet Tuesday ... just Diors. Really, really, really expensive Diors.

It's the latest shot at the BBB brand ... Lonzo's already covered up his Big Baller tattoo after his manager called for a BBB boycott while throwing a pair of ZO2s in the dumpster.

In other words, the Ball family business looks about as dead as LiAngelo's college hoops career.

Still, one major mystery remains ... WHEN ARE WE GOING TO HEAR FROM LAVAR?

The biggest of the Ballers has been eerily silent since the BBB fallout went public.

There are reports Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo are not speaking with their dad -- but no one has publicly commented about the state of the family.

The BBB is DOA.

Lonzo Ball sent a painful message to his father -- covering up his famous Big Baller Brand tattoo in what seems to be the final nail in the BBB coffin.

The Los Angeles Lakers star hit up tattoo artist Herchell L Carrasco -- aka the RocknRoll Gangster -- who inked out the BBB art ... covering it up with a pair of red dice.

The move comes after allegations BBB co-founder Alan Foster stole more than $1.5 million of Lonzo's money.

Earlier this week, Lonzo's manager/close friend Darren Moore threw his BBB shoes in the garbage and called for a boycott of all BBB merchandise.

There are rumblings that Lonzo and his brothers are now estranged from their father, LaVar Ball, and that the company could fold within days.

Now, with Lonzo sending a message through his tattoos ... seems where there's smoke, there's fire.

Michael Avenatti is not lying low following his release from custody for allegedly extorting Nike -- instead, he's doubling down ... and throwing two huge basketball stars under the bus.

The lawyer just went on a Twitter attack against Nike, claiming the company has not been cooperating with a federal investigation into its Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) for over a year.

Avenatti adds ... "Unless you count lying in response to subpoenas and withholding documents as 'cooperating.' They are trying to divert attention from their own crimes."

The "divert attention" part is interesting -- Avenatti is implying his arrest Monday for allegedly trying to extort $20 million out of Nike in exchange for not announcing harmful allegations against the company is a distraction for its own crimes.

But then -- speaking of diverting attention -- Avenatti dropped a bombshell tweet accusing Nike of paying off 20-year-old PHX Suns star Deandre Ayton and his mom before he made it to the NBA. Ayton played college ball at the University of Arizona and was a highly recruited high school star before that.

Avenatti wrote ... "Ask DeAndre Ayton and Nike about the cash payments to his mother and others. Nike’s attempt at diversion and cover-up will fail miserably once prosecutors realize they have been played by Nike and their lawyers at Boies. This reaches the highest levels of Nike."

And there's more ... he's also calling out star Univ. of Oregon center Bol Bol, saying he and his handlers received large sums of cash from the shoe co.

As we reported ... Avenatti was arrested Monday for an alleged extortion scheme prosecutors in NY say played out over the course of a few days last week. They claim Avenatti demanded payment from Nike to keep him quiet about allegedly paying families of some high school basketball players.

Avenatti is also facing more federal charges for bank and wire fraud in an unrelated case to the Nike one. The U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California claims Avenatti embezzled client money to cover expenses for his coffee corporation.