Basketball

Shaquille O'Neal and Damian Lillard are joining a new kind of super team ... hopping on a rap remix with Rick Ross and Meek Mill!!

The two superstar MCs just dropped their remix to their new track titled "SHAQ & KOBE" on Friday ... enlisting the two hoopers to add verses of their own.

The Bucks All-Star -- AKA Dame D.O.L.L.A -- was the first athlete to deliver his lyrics ... with a few of his basketball highlights playing right before the start -- "Dame from the hash mark, a three, oh my goodness."

Lillard made several sports references throughout his part ... with lines like, "I'm shot callin', not stallin' and not hoggin'/Pass the ball, we runnin' it up and we not joggin'," ... as well as a nod to the G.O.A.T., Michael Jordan.

"Jordan my tongue when I'm on my king s***," Dame said.

Shaq -- who's no stranger to the music industry -- had even more bars about his hoops career ... name-dropping Spurs legend Tim Duncan and his former head coach, Phil Jackson.

"Foreign 'round, flyin' spurs like when I bullied Duncan," the Hall of Famer said ... later adding, "I can hear the money talkin' like if it was Phil."

O'Neal -- who had a stake in the Sacramento Kings until 2022 -- also wrote about his venture into team ownership -- "Did a song with Biggie, it was all a dream, so was ballin' 'til I made it, now we own a team."

Toward the end of Shaq's verse, he mentions his old teammate and friend, Kobe Bryant ... saying, "I'ma bring the drama 'til I'm with the Mamba."

LeBron James passionately defended Anthony Davis from the critics following the Lakers' win over the Suns on Thursday ... making it clear their locker room doesn't "give a s***" about the outside noise.

The King and Co. squeezed out a 100-95 win over Kevin Durant and Phoenix at Crypto.com Arena ... large in part thanks to AD's 30 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and three steals.

Of course, Davis received a bunch of negative reviews after disappearing in the second half of the Lake Show's season opener against the Nuggets ... when he went scoreless in the final two periods of the losing effort.

LBJ was asked about the hate directed toward his teammate following Thursday's tilt ... and he didn't hold back in his response.

"We don't give a s*** about criticism about AD," LeBron said. "We don't care. Nothing bothers us. AD doesn't care. I don't know if guys have figured that out. A.D. does not care."

"He's not on social media. So he doesn't see none of the crap. He rarely talks, unless it's us. So, we don't give a s*** about it and he definitely doesn't. He's going to do his job, but we happy to have A.D."

LeBron calmed down a bit after his fiery comments ... approaching Durant's mom, Wanda, and sharing a special moment with her.

A high school basketball game turned into a violent brawl over the weekend ... when a referee straight-up punched a coach following a verbal altercation -- resulting in his arrest.

TMZ Sports is told ... the incident went down during a fall league contest between Arlington and Oak Hills at Santiago High School in Corona, California on Saturday, Oct. 21.

At some point in the second half, witnesses claim Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander got upset with referee Brandon Knapper over his officiating ... and an argument ensued.

In a clip we obtained of the game, 26-year-old Knapper -- a former college basketball player at West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Cal State San Bernardino -- can be seen approaching Alexander near Oak Hills' bench and briefly talking to him ... before unleashing his fist on the coach's face.

Knapper appeared to land more punches on Alexander as he fell to the court ... before players and others in attendance got involved.

We're told cops responded to the scene ... and Alexander was taken to the hospital. The game did not continue.

Law enforcement tells us Alexander requested prosecution against Knapper, who turned himself in and was charged with battery causing serious bodily injury and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury -- both felonies.

Knapper was booked in the Riverside County Sheriff's Department jail on Sunday ... and his bail was set at $25,000. He was released on Wednesday.

Oak Hills' Hesperia Unified School District released a statement to TMZ Sports ... condemning Knapper's "senseless and shameful" actions.

"The District is thankful for the swift and decisive action taken by the event promoters and local law enforcement. We are also happy to report that Coach Alexander is in good spirits and looking forward to returning to coaching and teaching as soon as possible."

"We have the utmost confidence that law enforcement, CIF, and Oak Hills High School, with the support of the District, will investigate the incident thoroughly and handle it appropriately."

It seems Ali Krieger is doin' just fine after her highly publicized split with Ashyln Harris ... 'cause the soccer star was spotted smiling ear to ear at the Knicks game Wednesday.

The Gotham FC defender was sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden to watch NY's season opener against the Celtics ... and despite everything that's going on with her, Harris, and Harris' new lover, Sophia Bush, Krieger appeared to be happy as a clam.

She had seats next to celeb makeup artist Alexandria Gilleo, and at one point, the ladies filmed themselves having an absolute blast.

Of course, things were obviously not always this way for Krieger ... especially in the last few weeks.

As we reported, Krieger was hit with divorce papers from Harris last month ... before Harris quickly jumped into a relationship with Bush.

Krieger looked to be quite bitter over it all, using a Beyoncé "Lemonade" Instagram post to imply that she had been cheated on.

The 39-year-old, though, is showing signs of moving on -- with her mind clearly now more focused on rubbin' elbows with Whoopi Goldberg than on Harris' new 'ship.

Several other stars, meanwhile, were out courtside for the game as well ... Chris Rock and Michael J. Fox sat just feet away from Krieger at MSG.

Carmelo Anthony and his son, high school hoops star, Kiyan, made an appearance too ... as did Latrell Sprewell, who played for New York from 1999 to 2003.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Yankees star Aaron Judge, Fat Joe, Lindsey Vonn and Skylar Astin also showed up for the big rivalry game.

A man claims Kyle Kuzma's dog "viciously" bit him earlier this year ... and he says the damages from the attack were so bad, he now wants the NBA star to pay up over it all.

According to a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, the incident happened while Kuzma and the man -- Bernardo Tosto -- were on a plane on May 4 near the Van Nuys airport in California.

Tosto says he was walking toward the cabin of the plane ... when, suddenly, Kuzma's dog bit him on his right arm.

In the suit, Tosto claims he suffered "severe injuries" as a result of the attack ... and he says it was all Kuzma's fault, because the basketball player "did not take any action to secure the dog."

Tosto is suing for unspecified damages.

It's unclear which of Kuzma's dogs was accused of biting Tosto ... the former Lakers star has been seen with a couple pooches on his Instagram page over the past few years.

Myles Garrett is going all-in on The Land -- the Cleveland Browns superstar just became a part owner of the Cavaliers!!

The team just made the big announcement on Wednesday ... saying the 27-year-old dominant defensive end will also serve as an ambassador for the organization.

"As a leader on and off the field, Myles has become a Cleveland icon and shares in our organization's commitment to being a transformative force for good across the region," Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said.

"We are honored to welcome this long-time friend of the team as our new partner and investor. Myles’ passion and commitment to the city he loves will allow us to reach new communities and continue to build the successful future of this franchise."

Garrett -- who's in the middle of a $125 million deal -- has been building his portfolio lately ... also investing in a Major League Pickleball team earlier this year.

The 2017 No. 1 overall pick has played in Cleveland his entire career ... racking up four Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro selections.

He's also gotten pretty tight with the Cavs during his time in northeast Ohio ... even showing off his crazy dunking skills while hanging out with the squad at Summer League this past offseason.

"I have admired the Cavaliers organization’s hard work, tenacity and dedication to the community since my early days in Cleveland,” Garrett said. "To have the opportunity to join this impressive and purpose-filled franchise, under Dan’s leadership, is truly a dream come true."

The news comes just hours before the Cavs kick off their 2023-24 season against the Brooklyn Nets ... and the team will certainly hope Myles' dominance rubs off on Donovan Mitchell and Co.

They're already on their quest for another, but the Denver Nuggets received their 2023 NBA championship rings before handling the Lakers ... and the bling comes complete with everything from diamonds and sapphires to a hidden compartment.

Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and their Nuggets teammates got their new jewelry during a special on-court ceremony Tuesday night in front of the home crowd at Ball Arena in the Mile High city.

The ring, designed and produced by the undisputed championship ring authority, Jason of Beverly Hills -- is massive ... and awesome.

Jason tells us the piece contains over 16 carats of diamonds, rubies, and blue sapphires which represent the team's colors and the 16 playoff wins it took to win the chip.

The ring also features the Larry O'Brien Trophy, two pickaxes from the Nuggets logo, player's names, jersey number, and the words "World Champion," along with the team's manta, "Bring It On".

The piece also has what Jason describes as "two never before seen design elements" ... the background color of the ring can be changed when a lever is pulled, and there's a hidden compartment that contains a mini championship banner.

"I really wanted to make the ring for the Nuggets," Jason said, "challenging my team to come up with features we knew others just wouldn't think of that would help set our design apart."

"We got player feedback during summer league and were able to include two new design elements that make this ring stand out from anything ever seen before in Championship jewelry."

The fellas absolutely loved it ... especially The Joker, the 2023 NBA Finals MVP who showed off the ring for the cameras.

Denver fans let LeBron James and the Lakers know who runs the NBA ... and they rubbed it in, chanting "Who's your daddy?!" while their Nuggets squad handed the Lake Show an L in the first game of the season!

The defending champs came out hot against the Lakers at Ball Arena on Tuesday and led as much as 18 points during the 119-107 win.

It was also the night the Nuggets team received their championship rings.

So, you can understand why the crowd of 19,842 was extra lit ... and late in the fourth quarter, they decided to take a shot at the Lakers.

"Who's your daddy?! Who's your daddy?!" the Nuggets fans yelled.

Jamal Murray heard the chants ... and the point guard's reaction was priceless.

In fact, the former first-round pick blamed his coach Michael Malone.

"This is you! This is your fault!" Murray said. "This is what you started!"

It was a good night for the 1-0 Nuggets ... Nikola Jokic, no surprise, had a terrific game, notching a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.

LeBron James pulled out all the stops for his first fashion statement of the 2023-24 season ... rocking over $28,000 worth of Louis Vuitton for opening night!!

King James -- who is entering his 21st season -- clearly wanted to come up with a special look for the Los Angeles Lakers opening game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena ... and he certainly didn't disappoint.

The 19-time All-Star forward is covered in Louis V ... from the $5k damoflage tweed chic collarless jacket and $1,250 pants to the $1,220 LV checker derby kicks.

He didn't stop there -- the Speedy Bandouliere 40 he's holding comes with an $11k price tag, and the briefcase will set the Average Joe back another $9,500.

So yeah, Bron's whole look is fit for a king.

BTW, some of those pieces LBJ is wearing are from Pharrell's men's Spring-Summer 2024 collection. The famous producer/rapper became the high-end brand's new men's creative director in February ... and debuted his items in Paris this summer.

James wasn't the only player showing up in style on Tuesday -- Michael Porter Jr. wore a signed Peyton Manning Broncos jersey ... and Peyton Watson was reppin' Deion Sanders with his own autographed "Coach Prime" gear.

High flyer Aaron Gordon also put his interesting taste on display ... going with a sleeveless burgundy blazer and shorts.

As for James' look ... anyone who wants to get their hands on the same items will have to wait just a bit -- pre-order sales start the first week of December.

LeBron James no escatimó esfuerzos para hacer su primera declaración de moda de la temporada 2023-24, luciendo más de $ 28.000 de Louis Vuitton para la noche de apertura.

King James, que está jugando su 21ª temporada, claramente quería llegar con un look especial para el partido inaugural de Los Angeles Lakers contra los Denver Nuggets en el Ball Arena, y ciertamente no decepcionó.

El delantero y 19 veces All-Star llegó cubierto de Louis V, desde la elegante chaqueta tweed de $5k sin cuello hasta los pantalaones de $1.250 pantalones y los zapatos de $1.220.

Y eso no fue todo, el Speedy Bandouliere 40 que está sosteniendo viene con una etiqueta de $11k y el maletín de otros $9.500.

Así que sí, el look de Bron es digno de un rey.

Por cierto, algunas de las piezas que lleva LeBron James corresponden a la colección masculina primavera-verano 2024 de Pharrell. El famoso productor y rapero se convirtió en el nuevo director creativo masculino de la marca de alta gama en febrero, y debutó con sus artículos en París este verano.

James no fue el único jugador que apareció con estilo este martes, Michael Porter Jr. llevaba una camiseta firmada Peyton Manning de los Broncos y Peyton Watson anduvo de representante de Deion Sanders con su propio atuendo autografiado de "Coach Prime".

Aaron Gordon también puso su interesante gusto en escena. El jugador usó un blazer sin mangas de color burdeos y pantalones cortos.

En cuanto al outfit de James, cualquiera quisiera tener esos mismos artículos en sus manos, pero tendremos que esperar un poco porque la pre-orden de venta comienza la primera semana de diciembre.

Scottie Pippen hates Michael Jordan's guts right now, but not all hope is lost for the legendary Bulls duo's friendship ... so says their former teammate, Dennis Rodman, who believes the two will eventually bury the hatchet.

It's no secret -- Pippen was pissed over the 'Last Dance' documentary that dropped back in 2020 ... claiming the Jordan-produced project glossed over his teammates' contributions to the Bulls dynasty and focused too much on #23.

Pippen has gone out of his way to throw verbal jabs at Jordan ever since ... calling him a "horrible player" before Scottie joined the team in 1987 and declaring LeBron James the G.O.A.T. in his eyes.

Rodman says the beef between the two is nothing like their dynamic during their playing days ... as he never saw them feuding during his time on the Bulls in the '90s.

"No, I never saw that before," Rodman claims. "I never saw them fight. Even after the season, I never saw that. They were always hanging out together, playing golf together, traveling together."

Things are totally different now, but the Worm seems to think the friendship is still salvageable.

"It's just a lot of things that's happened over the last couple of years. So, I think Scottie's a little bitter and Michael's more laid back and say, 'Okay, like whatever,' but they're gonna work it out."

Scottie and MJ's feud has taken an interesting turn recently as well ... with Pippen's ex-wife dating Jordan's son, Marcus.

As we previously reported, Michael said he didn't approve of the relationship back in July ... but Marcus later claimed his pops was joking.

The NBA's squarely in the sights of the United States Department of Justice over accusations The Association worked to torpedo Ice Cube's Big3 basketball league ... allegations the NBA denies.

TMZ Sports has learned the DOJ launched the inquiry months ago, examining alleged anticompetitive behavior on the part of the NBA, aimed at squashing the Big3's growth.

Those allegations, we're told, range from the NBA purportedly throwing its weight around to prevent sponsors and others potential partners from doing business with the rap legend's league ... to discouraging television networks from carrying Big3 games.

Cube and business partner Jeff Kwatinetz launched the 3-on-3 league, made up almost entirely of retired NBA players, in 2017.

Some current players have expressed a desire to play in Cube's league in the offseason, but we're told, as the Big3 sees it, the NBA has prevented guys from doing so, putting arbitrary rules in place to stop players from hooping in Ice's league.

FYI, the NBA and Big3 seasons do not overlap.

Of course, it's a regular occurrence for NBA players, including some of the biggest stars in the world like LeBron James, to hoop in non-NBA games after the season ends ... such as L.A.'s famed Drew League.

Big3 officials, according to sources familiar with the investigation, believe they've been unfairly targeted by the NBA.

We've also been told NBA owners have been discouraged from investing in the Big3 while simultaneously owning a franchise.

Referees haven't been immune, either, according to a source ... who says they've been told they cannot officiate for the Big3, despite some working for other organizations outside of the NBA.

A source familiar with the Dept. of Justice investigation tells us Cube and Kwatinetz met with DOJ lawyers during the first half of the year. We're also told investigators have begun reaching out to NBA owners as part of their investigation.

If the government ultimately finds the league committed antitrust violations, the NBA could face a significant fine.

We reached out to the league for comment ... and NBA spokesman Mike Bass, addressing the allegations of sponsorship and TV network interference, pressuring potential Big3 partners, and others, told us, "Those claims are not true."

Bass also added ... "We have been supportive of the Big3 since its inception, but we declined to invest."

Becky Hammon was cussin' like a sailor at the Las Vegas Aces' championship celebration Monday night ... hilariously referring to herself as an "old ass bitch" while addressing the crowd.

The Aces head coach hopped on the mic after the team made its way to the T-Mobile Arena as part of the parade and rally festivities ... and she didn't shy away from speaking her mind.

Hammon -- who became the HC for the Aces in late 2021 -- appeared to be a bit tipsy as she gave star player A'ja Wilson her flowers ... and hopefully the young fans in attendance were covering their ears.

"Listen here, I'm an old ass bitch," Hammon told the crowd.

"I played against all the GOATs. I'mma put it out there, [A'ja] gon' be the GOAT of the GOATs. She don't even know how I'm about to be on that ass ... 'cause she's that good!"

46-year-old Hammon was really feeling herself ... even counting her money onstage to make sure she had enough for the fines she'll get for the bad language.

The former WNBA star was getting lit way before she made it to the stage ... and Kelsey Plum caught her on video dancing to the "Tootsie Roll" on the bus with the team.

She wasn't the only one showing off some moves ... Sydney Colson was in slow motion onstage with legendary R&B singer Tank, who made a special appearance at the event.

La NBA está en la mira del Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos por las acusaciones de que la Asociación trabajó para torpedear la liga de baloncesto Big3 de Ice Cube, acusaciones que la NBA niega.

TMZ Sports ha descubierto que se inició la investigación hace meses, el examen de la presunta conducta anticompetitiva por parte de la NBA con el objetivo de aplastar el crecimiento de la Big3.

Supuestamente la NBA está emitiendo estas acusaciones para evitar que los patrocinadores y otros socios potenciales hagan negocios con la liga de la leyenda del rap y así convencer a las cadenas de televisión de no  mostrar los juegos de la Big3.

Cube y su socio Jeff Kwatinetz lanzaron la liga de 3 contra 3, compuesta casi en su totalidad por jugadores retirados de la NBA, en 2017.

Algunos jugadores actuales han expresado su deseo de jugar en la liga de Cube en la temporada baja, pero nos informan que la NBA ha impedido que los chicos lo hagan, poniendo reglas arbitrarias para evitar que los jugadores entren a la liga de Ice.

Para tu información, las temporadas de la NBA y de la Big3 no coinciden. Por supuesto, es habitual que los jugadores de la NBA —incluidas algunas de las mayores estrellas del mundo como LeBron James— participen en partidos que no son de la NBA una vez finalizada la temporada, como la famosa Drew League de Los Ángeles.

Según fuentes familiarizadas con la investigación, los directivos de Big3 creen que han sido injustamente atacados por la NBA.

También nos informan que se ha disuadido a los propietarios de la NBA de invertir en la Big3 al tiempo que poseen una franquicia.

Los árbitros tampoco han sido inmunes, según una fuente, se les ha dicho que no pueden oficiar para la Big3, a pesar de que algunos trabajan para otras organizaciones fuera de la NBA.

Una fuente familiarizada con la investigación del Departamento de Justicia nos dice que Cube y Kwatinetz se reunieron con abogados del DOJ durante la primera mitad del año. También nos han dicho que los investigadores han empezado a ponerse en contacto con los propietarios de la NBA como parte de su investigación.

Si finalmente el gobierno determina que la liga cometió infracciones antimonopolio, la NBA podría enfrentarse a una multa significativa.

Nos pusimos en contacto con la liga para hacer comentarios y el portavoz de la NBA, Mike Bass, se refirió a las acusaciones de interferencia de patrocinadores y cadenas de televisión y nos dijo: "Esas afirmaciones no son ciertas".

Bass también añadió: "Hemos apoyado a la Big3 desde su creación, pero declinamos invertir".

LeBron James might not be retiring for a LONG time -- the Lakers superstar's wife just revealed he's hoping to stay in the NBA until he plays with both Bronny AND Bryce!!

Savannah shared the surprising remark in the King's latest ad campaign for Beats By Dre ... in which she gives him a pump-up speech about his haters ahead of his 21st season in the Association.

"Tell them you're not done until you play with your son," LeBron's longtime partner said as Bronny's face popped up. "Then do that again," she added as Bryce stared into the camera.

38-year-old LeBron has always made it clear he wanted to suit up alongside 19-year-old Bronny, who is entering his first year at USC ... but now, it certainly sounds like he's planning to stick around long enough to do the same with 16-year-old Bryce.

Bryce is currently a shooting guard at Notre Dame HS in California ... and is slated to graduate in 2025, meaning he would not be able to enter the league until 2026 under the current rules -- and LeBron would be well into his 40s.

Bron admitted back in 2022 he had thought about the possibility of playing with Bryce ... saying, "I feel like I could play for quite a while," according to Sports Illustrated.

"So it’s all up to the body, but more importantly, my mind. If my mind can stay sharp and fresh and motivated, then the sky’s not even the limit for me. I can go beyond that. But we shall see."

Georgetown women's basketball head coach Tasha Butts has tragically died following a battle with breast cancer, the school announced Monday.

She was just 41 years old.

In revealing the heartbreaking news, school president John J. DeGioia called her death "a devastating loss."

"She was extraordinary," DeGioia said. "Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life."

Butts starred on the court at Tennessee from 2000 to 2004 -- playing forward for Pat Summit ... before she was picked by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round of the 2004 WNBA Draft.

She eventually got into coaching following her one season in the league, beginning as an assistant with Duquesne in 2007. She later coached for LSU and UCLA, before landing a promotion to the associate head coach role at Georgia Tech in 2021.

She found a ton of success as the leader of the Yellow Jackets, this despite being diagnosed with breast cancer during the 2021 season ... and in April, she was named Georgetown's head coach.

She stepped away from the team last month, however, to continue her fight with cancer.

"When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the court, and an incredible person whose drive, passion and determination was second to none," Georgetown AD Lee Reed said. "She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory."

The school announced Darnell Haney will be the interim head coach for this upcoming season. It also said Monday it and the Big East will continue to raise funds and breast cancer awareness through her "Tasha Tough" initiative.