Basketball

Shawn Bradley -- arguably the most posterized player in NBA history -- has an important message for this generation's slam dunk victims ... your heads are in the right place!!

We talked hoops with the 7-footer at LAX ... and our conversation eventually got to the thing he's most famous for -- being on the receiving end of soul-crushing jams.

Turns out, Bradley's damn proud of it -- telling TMZ Sports that putting yourself in harm's way is the mark of a true baller.

"Watching some of these young guys, the ones that don't shy away -- it's OK to get dunked on, just go get 'em next time -- that attitude is the one I think is refreshing," Bradley said.

Shawn also told us his most memorable poster ... and we ain't surprised.

Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony aren't gonna let a 106-81 loss to the Lakers pups get them down, 'cause all 3 men hit the hottest spots in L.A. after getting stomped at Staples.

PG and Melo got the night started at Craig's, grabbing some food while George deftly dodged all those Lakers questions. Guessing they just wanted to lick those post-loss wounds on a full stomach, right?

WRONG, 'cause later they met up with Russ at Poppy -- a big L.A. late night hot spot -- where the guys got a little turnt up and seemed to be in good spirits.

The Lakers have been CRUSHIN' IT the past few games ... and you can tell by all of the huge celebrity fans who've rushed back to their courtside seats!

Pharrell, Floyd Mayweather, Will Ferrell and a bunch of other stars were all courtside to watch the Purple & Gold put a beating on the OKC Thunder 106-81 ... L.A.'s 8th win in the last 10 games.

L.A. fans can be fickle when it comes to their sports teams -- even Jack Nicholson stopped coming to games and thought about giving up his tickets back in 2015 when the Lakers were terrible.

But now that the Lakers are on a hot streak, there's a pretty good chance we'll see Jack, Leo ... hell, maybe even David Beckham again?!

Man, Telvin Smith sucks at basketball ... and Jalen Ramsey's video proves it.

Look, Telvin is an absolute beast on the football field -- the Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker made the Pro Bowl this year.

But when the Jags teammates hit the hardwood at Florida State -- Smith got a chance to put his hoop skills on display ... and failed spectacularly.

Can he dribble? Barely. Can he shoot? Absolutely not. Dunk? Nope.

(By the way, Telvin and Jalen are good friends, so the public shaming is all in good fun).

On the other hand, Jalen Ramsey is an absolute freak -- check out the highlight reel stuff he did.

Back up off that ledge, Knicks fans -- Dr. Oz says Kristaps Porzingis can get 110% better from his torn ACL ... if he takes his advice.

We got doc Oz out in NYC ... and he broke down why Kristaps' season-ending injury ain't the end of the world (just the Knicks' season).

Don't get it twisted -- the celeb surgeon told TMZ Sports Porzingis is gonna have to bust his ass in rehab ... but if he follows a few of his recovery tips, Oz says he can legitimately "come back better than ever before."

An Australian politician is so pissed Ben Simmons didn't make the NBA All-Star game, he took the floor during a government session and alleged a full-fledged "Anti-Australian conspiracy!"

"No one with two brain cells to rub together would want Goran Dragic on their team," M.P. Tim Watts said this week in his Parliamentary address.

FYI, Simmons was born and raised in Australia before moving to the U.S. -- and the people Down Under are clearly bitter he's not getting the love they think he deserves.

"In a record breaking rookie year for the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben is currently averaging nearly 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists per game. He’s already had five triple doubles," Watts said.

He's also upset Australian-born NBA player Joe Ingles was not included in the 3-point contest -- saying, "[It] makes me think there’s some kind of anti-Australian conspiracy going on at league head office at the moment."

"If you thought that Australia was angry about the Simpsons vs. Australia TV episode, Yanks, you ain’t seen nothing yet."

2 Chainz wants to destroy Snoop Dogg at their NBA All-Star weekend celebrity game -- so, he's hired the guy who trains Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard to get him ready for the showdown.

The man in charge of Tity Boi's game is Drew Hanlen -- a self-described "NBA strategic skills coach and consultant" who's insane client list also includes Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum, Kelly Oubre and more.

Don't get it twisted ... Tity Boi is a LEGIT athlete -- he played college basketball at Alabama State -- but after spending months in a wheelchair with a broken leg, he's called in the big guns to make sure he's ready for Snoop.

Judging by the training video, Chainz looks good -- showing off his handles, making it rain from 3, and even talking a little trash.

Impressed, Snoop?

High school hoops phenom Mac McClung is already a viral sensation for his insane dunks -- but his cousin Riff Raff says he's a REAL DEAL player who will dominate the NBA.

Yeah, they're really blood-related ... and Riff Raff tells TMZ Sports he couldn't be prouder of the 18-year-old stud, who's already verbally committed to Georgetown.

In fact, the rapper says Mac's latest Instagram highlight -- a between-the-legs dunk ON A FASTBREAK (did we mention the kid's just 6'2''??) -- proves he's ready to hang with NBA players right now.

2019 NBA Draft is just 16 months away ...

Kobe Bryant got the All-Star treatment at the Oscars lunch on Monday -- getting the prime front row seat for the official group photo ... despite the fact he towers over EVERYONE there!

He's in front of huge stars like Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, Mary J. Blige, Kumail Nanjiani, Guillermo del Toro, Laura Dern ... EVEN MERYL FRICKIN' STREEP!

Then again, she's been in like 50 Oscars lunch photos ... so, maybe they wanted to switch it up.

The Mamba's been nominated for Best Animated Short for "Dear Basketball" -- and he's clearly enjoying everything that goes along with being a nominee ... including free lunch!

Charles Oakley is officially off the hook in his criminal assault case stemming from his altercation with NY Knicks owner Jimmy Dolan at Madison Square Garden last year ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Oakley was arrested back in February 2017 for getting physical with security who tried to remove him from MSG after a heated exchange with Dolan. It took an army of security to subdue Oakley.

The ex-Knicks star was charged with assault, harassment and criminal trespass ... but accepted an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) -- which would expunge the arrest from his record if he agreed to keep his nose clean for 6 months.

If he didn't accept the ACD, Oak would've been facing a maximum of 1 year in city jail if convicted.

Now that time is up -- and Oak held up his end of the deal ... so his case has been thrown out.

Kenny Smith says he's still reeling from the "horrific situation" that claimed Rasual Butler's life ... and he's expecting the NBA to honor Rasual in a big way.

"Overall, the NBA community will step up. We'll do something on TNT," Kenny said.

Condolences poured in Wednesday from ex-teammates and legends like Shaq, Kobe and Allen Iverson ... and the Miami Heat were the first team to put together a video tribute.

The Jet says fans should expect a lot more of that -- because "everybody loved him."

Stephen A. Smith says he's devastated over the death of his friend Rasual Butler -- telling TMZ Sports they knew each other for years ... and the NBA player was a really good dude.

"Just incredibly sad," the ESPN star said ... "He's a good guy. We have Philly roots together. I've known him for many years. I love his wife. Love his family."

"The world lost a good brother."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Butler lost control of his Range Rover in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning and slammed into a wall -- killing him and his wife, who was a passenger in the car.

Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife -- a singer who appeared on "American Idol" -- were both killed in a single car crash in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning, TMZ Sports has learned.

38-year-old Butler -- who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 -- lost control of his Range Rover around 2 AM, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall. The car flipped.

Officers believe the car was speeding before it lost control.

Butler had a long NBA career after an impressive run at La Salle -- where he was a 2-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 Player. He's a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletics.

He went on to play in the NBA until 2016 -- with stints on the Hornets, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs.

Rasual most recently played in Ice Cube's BIG3 league.

Butler's wife Leah LaBelle, 31, was an R&B singer who was signed to Epic Records. She placed 12th on the 3rd Season of "American Idol" back in 2004.

Rasual is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship, Raven Butler.

R.I.P.

Rasual Butler's death is hitting the NBA hard -- with his friends and former teammates sending their condolences to Butler's family.

John Wall -- "I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace."

Blake Griffin -- "You were a great teammate and an even better person. Rest in peace my friend."

LaMarcus Aldridge -- "Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!"

Kyle Lowry -- "I remember I called you when you got drafted on draft night and I was at a camp and I wanted to show off because I knew you and you answered the phone for a 16 year old who was one of your biggest fans.. this is truly a sad day for me !! RIP Sual bop my oldhead!!"

Austin Rivers -- "It was a pleasure meeting you man. Getting to work with you last year was amazing. For you were not only a knowledgeable player....but more so a great man! Smh Crazy this just happened. May you and your wife RIP in heaven."

Kevin Love -- "Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time."

Ray Allen -- "I cannot believe this!!!!!!!!!My heart is heavy!!! We lost a good one today! RIP Rasual you were such a great talent on the court but an even better man off it! My thoughts are with the entire Butler family as they mourn the tragic loss of their son/brother and his beautiful wife, Leah. Gone too soon. Rest in power."

Reggie Miller -- "Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved becasue of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels."

Paul Pierce -- "So sad this morning to here about my friend and teammate 😢 RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never know."

Chauncey Billups -- "I’m shocked, saddened and in disbelief about the news on my friend Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. May God be with their families. We will miss you 'Sul.'"

Allen Iverson -- "Rest easy my brother. See you when I get there!!!"

Shaq -- "Still can’t believe the news about my main man SOOL BOP. #riprasualbutler🏀#THELILHOMIEFROMPHILLY."

Kobe Bryant -- "Rest In Peace my brother #RasualButler."

Miami Heat -- "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed."

L.A. Clippers -- "The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him."

Blake Griffin shouldn't be mad at Lolo Jones for outing him as a bad kisser -- he should use it as a teachable moment and IMPROVE his lip game ... so says Marlon Wayans.

First off, Marlon was SHOCKED Lolo would do Blake dirty in public when we told him what Lolo said about BG on social media. But after he processed the news, Marlon gives a pretty hilarious message to the ex-Clipper star.

"Blake, brah ... gotta get your kiss game on!"

In other words, "She woulda traded you to Detroit, basically."

Dennis Rodman's blood alcohol level was more than DOUBLE the legal limit when cops arrested him for DUI back in January ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Court documents show the NBA Hall of Famer has now been charged with 2 misdemeanor counts of DUI stemming from the January 13 arrest in Newport Beach, CA ... where cops say he had been swerving and blasting loud music in his car.

Rodman's B.A.C. tested at .21 -- roughly 2.5 times the legal limit.

To make matters worse for Dennis, he was on probation at the time of his arrest from his 2016 wrong way crash case. If the judge revokes Rodman's probation, he could be thrown in jail.