Basketball

Here you go Lakers fans ... the first clip of LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing together on the same court since the trade ... and it all went down on the set of "Space Jam 2."

The NBA superstars have been hoopin' together while shooting the flick in Los Angeles. You can see the guys warming up alongside Damian Lillard and a few WNBA stars who are appearing in the movie. 

There's another guy rocking a #2 jersey -- but we couldn't positively identify him. We're told the players in the movie are wearing jerseys reflecting their jersey numbers in the NBA. So, if you recognize him, let us know in the comments!!!

As we previously reported, Klay Thompson has been on the set ... though it's unclear if his knee injury will prevent him from shooting scenes. Draymond Green was also spotted on set working out with the guys. 

By the way, LeBron has been wearing #6 on the set -- and Davis has been wearing #23. Interesting, considering reports that LeBron would be ceding his #23 Lakers jersey to Davis and returning back to #6, the jersey he wore while playing in Miami and also during his Team USA days. 

Here he is!!! Kevin Durant is back out in public just 2 weeks after suffering a devastating injury in the NBA Finals ... but it's clear he's got a long road to recovery. 

The 30-year-old superstar was out in New York City on Wednesday -- with a team of people helping him out of a building and into a waiting sprinter van. 

You can see KD's right leg is bandaged up from his toe to his knee. An assistant was also holding a walking boot for Kev while another person followed close behind with a medical knee scooter. 

The clip is pretty short but you can see Durant is trying to be independent. It's obvious he wants to be able to move around without help. 

Durant underwent surgery on June 12 to repair a ruptured Achilles -- which he injured in the 2nd quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. 

Durant had missed significant playing time before Game 5 due to a calf strain -- and some people questioned whether he came back before his body was ready. 

After the surgery, Durant posted on social media saying he wasn't pressured into returning -- and said, "I wanted to be out there that night because that's what I do."

There are reports Durant could miss the entire 2019-20 regular season due to the Achilles injury -- with some speculating he might be ready to go for the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, KD just declined his player option with the Warriors which means he'll officially be a free agent and can sign wherever he wants. He'll obviously get a max contract offer, which would kick off with a $38.2 mil starting salary. 

Get well soon!!!

So ... who picks up the check?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Jordan -- two of the wealthiest athletes in the history of the planet -- doubled up for a night out in the French Riviera ... because this is what extremely rich people do.

Ronaldo has been yachting it up with his longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, and their kids -- but clearly, they got a babysitter and found some time for a night out with MJ and his wife.

Unclear where they went ... but with Ronaldo reportedly worth somewhere in the ballpark of a billion dollars ... and Jordan reportedly ALREADY in the tres commas club -- they can afford to eat anywhere they want!

Remember, Ronaldo has been sailing around on a $200,000-per-week yacht -- that comes with its own gym space and MOVIE THEATER!

Over the years, Jordan has been spotted floating around on expensive boats.

You're looking at the face of Cup Noodles ... the biggest star to come out of Japan in years -- NBA rookie Rui Hachimura -- who's telling TMZ Sports why he's PUMPED to get his NBA career going in the U.S. 

The 21-year-old became the first Japanese-born player selected in the 1st round of the NBA Draft when the Washington Wizards took him with the 9th overall pick ... and man, he looks stoked! 

And, get this ... we asked Rui if he feels any pressure now that he's in the NBA, dude SCOFFED -- telling us his rabid fan base back home has already prepared him for NBA superstardom. 

"It's been always like this," Rui said ... "but right now especially its crazy."

The 6' 8" Hachimura gained a massive following playing for Gonzaga ... making an Elite 8 run in 2019 and earning the West Coast Conference 2019 Player of the Year honors. 

He signed a massive deal to endorse both Cup Noodles and Nike -- and you can tell he's fired up about it! 

Wanna see how happy R.J. Barrett is making New York already??

Just look at how Knicks guard Damyean Dotson's face lights up when we mention the rookie's name ... 'cause the dude can't contain his excitement.

"I love R.J., man. I love his game. I'm looking forward to playing with him. He's a smart guy. Athletic, strong ... he can definitely help us."

There hasn't been much excitement around the Knicks in recent years -- they haven't made the playoffs since the Melo era and the biggest news lately has been more about the team owner, James Dolan, kicking people out of MSG for heckling.

But, Dotson's excitement should have Knickerbocker fans stoked for their new rookie ... and whatever free agents they land this summer (if any).

"I think he'll be really good ... he has a chance to be really good in this league."

Jalen Rose says he tried to like hell to have a conversation with LaVar Ball in the hours and days after an on-air incident with his wife ... but, "I have not been able to track him down."

Remember, Rose's wife, Molly Qerim -- one of the hosts of "First Take" found herself in the middle of a major controversy over comments LaVar made to her during a June 17 episode ... comments some people found sexist and inappropriate.

While trying to switch topics, Ball told Molly ... "You can switch gears with me anytime."

After the episode, ESPN condemned Ball's comments and said they had no plans to bring him on air again any time soon. 

Enter Rose ... who says people have FALSELY claimed that Molly pushed ESPN to 'ban' Ball. Rose says ignorant fans have been wrongly harassing Molly, claiming she took down another black man. 

Jalen is pissed ... saying Molly wasn't trying to take out ANYONE -- and suggestions she has it out for LaVar because he's black is just stupid. 

"Y’all know she’s married to a black husband, right?" Rose said ... "She’s been doing this for 15 years. She knows how to navigate. She knows how to take care of herself." 

Rose also says Molly made her position CRYSTAL CLEAR when she spoke with TMZ Sports the day after the incident ... saying decisions about "banning" Ball are above her pay grade. 

Rose says he has a lot of respect for Ball for what he's accomplished -- and reached out to him multiple times to talk things out ... but they haven't been able to connect. 

Sounds like he wants a civil conversation ... he's not looking for a fight. 

Kawhi Leonard's next move ain't staying in Toronto or moving to L.A. ... he's cruisin' through Barbados on a floaty boat with his girlfriend, Kishele Shipley ... and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

All eyes are on the 27-year-old NBA superstar with free agency around the corner ... with reports saying he could either stay with the Raptors or take his talents back to his home state of California to play for the Clippers or Lakers.

But, before the Finals MVP makes that decision, he took his family out to the Caribbean for an adventurous getaway filled with fun boat rides, snorkeling and picnics.

Kawhi's had a tough time containing his emotions ever since the Raps beat the Warriors to win its first championship in franchise history ... and he couldn't keep a straight face as he zoomed through the water on a Great Big Marble boat.

Enjoy the R&R, Kawhi ... you deserve it. But, uh ... please decide soon. We're waiting.

Kevin Love just copped a custom diamond Stone Cold Steve Austin pendant for his neck ... and the piece is AWESOME!!!

The Cavs superstar has been a huge fan of Austin 3:16 for years ... so he hit up Greg Yuna & Jason “J-FROST” Adams in NYC to get his love for the wrestler memorialized in a new chain.

We're told the drip -- which was made in the guys' shop in the Diamond District -- features 7ct VS D color stones and 14kt white gold.

All total -- we're told the ice cost around $15,000.

Of course, it's a small price to pay for Love -- who's a big wrestling buff -- 'cause the guy just inked a 4-year, $120 MILLION deal with Cleveland!!!

As for Stone Cold, he approves of the bling ... writing on his social media page, "Glass shattering across the universe."

Gayle Benson says she has no plans to change her title as "owner" of the New Orleans Saints and the NO Pelicans ... but insists she's sensitive to the concerns of the players.

Gayle's late husband, Tom Benson, bought the Saints in 1985 and the Pelicans in 2012 -- and she took over when he passed away in March 2018.

As we previously reported, several NBA teams and the NBA league office are moving away from the term "owner" out of racial sensitivity ... so the New Orleans Advocate asked Benson if she plans on following suit.

Benson told the Advocate she has no plans on making a title change -- though she considers herself "less of an owner and more of a caretaker of incredible assets."

She also issued a statement saying she hopes players aren't offended by the "owner" title -- and she's open to listening to their concerns.

"As with any word, phrase or expression ... interpretations can be perceived differently," Benson said.

"That is in many ways why diversity, inclusion and openness is so important to companies and society. As with any expression, my intention and the intentions of the organization I am responsible for is never to be insensitive or insulting."

She continued ... "I truly believe daily actions speak very loudly, and it is my sincere hope that the players and staff know how much I care for them and their families."

"I sincerely hope no term that attempts to define my corporate standing would in any negative way suggest a lack of caring, respect or admiration for that they accomplish every day -- leaders, teammates, colleagues, parents, mentors, citizens."

Benson seems to be echoing comments made by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban who told us corporate leaders should be able to choose their own titles.

Meanwhile, the issue has already spilled over into pop culture ... where Common explained why the move away from the term "owner" is a positive thing.

There are also staunch critics ... including Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump who don't seem to be on board with the title change.

Blake Griffin and Chandler Parsons are LIVING UP THE SINGLE LIFE ... partying with a whole bunch of insanely hot bikini-clad women on a yacht in Ibiza -- and the pics are AWESOME!!!

The two NBA stars were all smile on the booty boat ... and it's pretty clear why -- it looks like fun!

Besides being young, ripped and pro athletes ... Blake and Chandler are also super rich!!

Blake's reportedly made close to $200 MILLION in his NBA career -- and Chandler's around $127 MILLION.

As we previously reported, Parsons recently broke up with his longtime model girlfriend, Cassie Amato ... so he's looking to rebound -- and it seems he's doing pretty well!

Between the two of 'em, Chandler and Blake have dated some of the biggest stars in Hollywood ... from Kendall Jenner (Blake) to Bella Thorne (Chandler) to Toni Garrn (Chandler) to Arianny Celeste (Chandler) to bikini mogul Francesca Aiello (Blake).

NBA veteran Allen Crabbe -- who was just traded to the ATL Hawks -- was arrested for DUI on the Sunset Strip late Tuesday night ... and TMZ Sports has the video.

We're told cops noticed the 27-year-old was "straddling lanes" around 11:30 PM -- so they pulled him over ... and during the stop, the officer suspected he was drunk.

The 6'6", 210 pounder was asked to step out of the car to perform a field sobriety test -- which he did --- and while it didn't appear he bombed it (based on the video we shot) ... the cops still felt he was under the influence.

In fact, we're told he blew a .08 -- which is EXACTLY the legal limit in California ... so Crabbe was arrested and booked for misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence.

We're told Crabbe couldn't have been more cooperative with police. He was taken to a nearby station where he was held for a few hours. We're told he's currently in the process of being released.

We spoke to someone close to Crabbe who tells us he's in town to work with the Frederick K. C. Price III Christian School in South Central, where he's volunteered time and money over the years.

Is Dave East the solution for the New York Knicks' struggles?? The team might wanna give him a call ... 'cause the rapper says he's considering an NBA tryout ... but only for his hometown squad!!

Now, before you brush it off as farfetched, the 6'5" East is a serious hooper -- he played AAU hoops with Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley and landed a Division 1 scholarship to play at University of Richmond, but was ineligible due to grades.

So, when we asked East if he'd ever pull a Master P and give the hoop dream one more shot at age 31, he seemed open to the idea, telling TMZ Sports -- "I might ... It gotta be the Knicks, I gotta be in New York."

Why the Knicks?? East -- who grew up in East Harlem -- is a HUGE fan of his hometown team ... and can be spotted sitting courtside at a lot of their games.

As for KD ... East has been in touch with his old teammate following his devastating Achilles injury in the NBA Finals and says he's doing well and recovering ... and wants Durant to sign with the Knicks this offseason.

NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns was looking to make a fashion statement on Rodeo Drive on Monday ... so he busted out a Colin Kaepernick jersey!

The 7'0" center for the Minnesota Timberwolves was doing some shopping in Beverly Hills (he had a giant Louis Vuitton bag in his hand), where our photog spotted the giant #7 jersey walking down the street.

"Kap's the man," the 23-year-old told us.

It's not the first time Towns has used fashion -- football jerseys in particular -- to make a statement on social issues ... remember, he rocked a "Free Meek Mill" jersey to the Super Bowl back in 2018.

Oh, and also ... FUN QUESTION!!! We also asked Karl -- who's MASSIVELY TALL -- if he has to get all of his clothes custom made or if he can ever buy a suit off the rack.

Charles Barkley -- who's become extremely political over the years -- says the issue of reparations for slavery is a "serious subject" ... but admits he doesn't see a real clear way to make it happen.

The issue of reparations for the descendants for people enslaved in America has heated up recently -- just last week, there was a heated hearing about reparations at the House of Representatives.

The current debate is over a bill -- H.R. 40 -- which calls for a commission to be created with the mission of studying and coming up with proposals to compensate the descendants of slaves.

There are passionate people on both sides of the argument ... with author/journalist/activist Ta-Nehisi Coates clashing with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell during last week's hearing.

McConnell argued that slavery "happened 150 years ago for whom none of us currently living are responsible."

Coates fired back ... saying the U.S. paid out pensions to the families of Civil War soldiers "well into this century." He also noted the govt. still honors treaties made by people who are long dead.

So, where does Barkley stand on the issue? He's conflicted.

"It's a very difficult subject," Charles said ... "I don't know how you would do it, that's the problem."

"I don't think there's a right or wrong answer ... 'cause I don't know how you would do that actually. I don't know who would get it and who would not get it."

Add DeMar DeRozan to the list of athletes against visiting Donald Trump ... 'cause the NBA superstar says even if he was still on the Raptors, he wouldn't celebrate their title at the White House.

Raps coach Nick Nurse said last week the team is setting up a trip to be honored by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ... but said they're undecided on going to 1600 Penn.

However, over the weekend Raptors star Danny Green told Yahoo Sports he's a "hard no" on visiting Trump.

Despite playing for the Spurs now, DeRozan is on board if the team decides not to go ... telling TMZ Sports -- "Sh*t, I wouldn't go, either!"

DeRozan joins a growing group of athletes who have spoken out against visiting Trump -- the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James, Red Sox manager Alex Cora and players like Mookie Betts, David Price and Jackie Bradley Jr. have all been vocal about not going -- just to name a few.

Mark Cuban ain't losing sleep over the controversy in the NBA over the term "owner" -- telling TMZ Sports, "It's not that big a deal."

"If you run a company, own a company, start a company ... you decide [on what to call yourself]," Cuban told us.

Of course, Cuban purchased the Dallas Mavericks back in 2000 and is still listed as "owner" in the team's 2018-19 media guide.

The issue ... several players, including Draymond Green, have voiced concern over the term -- essentially saying it's racially insensitive in a league comprised of mostly black players.

Several teams have moved away from the term -- including the Philadelphia 76ers and the L.A. Clippers -- and even NBA Commish Adam Silver has said he's sensitive to the issue.

In fact, Silver told TMZ Sports the league office is no longer using the term "owner" -- opting for the term "governor" instead. Though Silver made it clear there is no hard rule banning the term in the NBA.