Basketball

JJ Redick is stepping away from the game of basketball -- the longtime sharpshooter just announced he's retiring from the NBA to focus on his family and start the next chapter of his life.

37-year-old Redick -- who averaged nearly 13 points over 940 career games -- broke the news on his "The Old Man And The Three" podcast Tuesday ... saying hoops is no longer his #1 priority, and he knew it was time to walk away.

"Today, I am officially retiring from the game of basketball," Redick said in an accompanying Instagram post.

"Thank you to EVERYONE who was a part of my journey and career. I started playing basketball 30 years ago in my backyard on an uneven path of dirt, gravel, and grass. It was on that court that my dreams began to form."

"Reality has far surpassed my dreams!! So thankful for 15 years in the NBA and all the amazing relationships and memories along the way."

Of course, Redick was a college superstar at Duke ... and eventually went to the Orlando Magic with the #11 overall pick in 2006. He also played for the Bucks, Clippers, Sixers, Pelicans and Mavericks during his career.

Redick led the NBA in 3-point percentage in 2015-16 ... going 47.5% from behind the arc.

Redick says he's now looking forward to spending more time with his wife and kids ... as well as repairing an Achilles injury he's been dealing with.

Drake's jumper clearly still needs some work ... 'cause cameras have caught him airballin' yet another shot on the court -- this time in a 1-on-1 game with Tory Lanez.

The whiffed shot all went down in Miami (unclear exactly when) ... when Drake was getting in some run with his fellow rapper.

You can see in some footage of the two musicians' workout, Aubrey pulled up from deep against Lanez, shot the rock ... and then hit nothing but court.

To his credit, he didn't seem too downtrodden after the shot -- and Lanez somehow didn't even talk smack!

Of course, missing rim, backboard and net is nothing new for the "Certified Lover Boy" rapper ... 'cause, you'll recall, back in 2014, he famously missed a shot while in a layup line with the Kentucky men's basketball team.

WNBA star Angel McCoughtry says she's down to help Odell Beckham Jr. with his ACL recovery ... telling TMZ Sports she's willing to hook him up with the "secret sauce" to an early return.

The Las Vegas Aces baller came back from the horrific knee injury in just 4 MONTHS -- and when we asked her out in L.A. this week if she'd drop an assist to OBJ (who's still trying to make it back to the field after tearing up his knee in 2020) ... she said of course!

... under one condition.

"Tell him if he really, really want the secret, he gotta call me," AM told us. "Holla at me Odell, I'll tell you the secret! The secret sauce."

She added, "There's secret sauce, but you can't give it out. Those who want it will seek it."

All kidding aside, McCoughtry says she's confident OBJ -- who tore his ACL in Week 7 of the NFL season last year -- will make it back to the Browns' lineup sooner than later.

"He knows what to do," Angel said. "He knows how to come back."

Any NBA team in need of a 7-time All-Star, look no further ... 'cause Joe Johnson tells TMZ Sports he's not ready to retire anytime soon -- and he wants to compete!!

40-year-old Johnson hasn't played in the Association since 2018, but there's no question the guy can still hoop -- he reportedly just won his second BIG3 MVP in 2021 after scoring 182 points in the regular season.

Given all his recent success in the 3-on-3 league, we had to ask if his focus is solely on Ice Cube's org. ... or if he's still got gas left in the tank to ball out in the NBA -- and he's clearly not thinking about riding off into the sunset just yet.

"No, I'm not done. We'll see what happens here ... We'll see, man. We'll see. I don't have nothing definite to tell you, to be honest with you. But, I'mma be out here to try to get things done."

JJ has had a helluva career so far -- he averaged 16 points a game since joining the league in 2001. He had a shot with the Detroit Pistons after the 2019 BIG3 season ... but was eventually waived before taking the court.

As for his incredible 2021 season, Johnson has a simple, yet perfect, reaction.

L.A. Sparks hooper Erica Wheeler continues to do her opponents dirty with her filthy crossover ... and Atlanta Dream guard Odyssey Sims was her latest victim, getting dropped Thursday night.

... and Wheeler did it in front of the ATL fans.

The Sparks played the Dream in College Park, GA Thursday night ... winning 74-68 in a must win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Brittney Sykes and Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks with a combined 32 points -- but the highlight of the game was Wheeler's nasty crossover on Sims.

The 5-foot-7 guard sent Sims flying across the court after a nasty step back and finished it off bankin' in a wide-open jumper.

And, Wheeler recently did the same thing to Sue Bird ... one of the greatest WNBA players ever!

EW broke her ankles Sunday ... sending the Seattle Storm guard to the floor, nearly smacking her head on the hardwood.

Sheesh!!

The Sparks need all the momentum they can get ... they're fighting to make playoffs -- sitting in the ninth spot -- half a game behind Washington Mystic.

Ben Simmons does NOT have a problem with his jumper -- it's a CONFIDENCE issue -- so says NBA and BIG 3 sharp-shooter Joe Johnson, who tells TMZ Sports the Sixers guard will be just fine.

Simmons has struggled to find his rhythm with jump shots since entering the league in 2016 -- most recently, he was criticized for going 35% from the charity stripe and averaging 9.9 points a game in the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks.

Not ideal for a former #1 overall pick ... but Iso Joe -- who's known for his clutch shooting -- isn't worried at all, saying he knows the 25-year-old will find his way.

"I honestly don't think nothing's wrong with it," Johnson tells us. "You see him playing pickup basketball shooting jumpers, fadeaways, threes ... so we all know it's there."

It's true -- Ben put in work with Rajon Rondo earlier this offseason ... where he was recorded on video drilling threes.

"He just has to take that same confidence that he has in pickup and translate it into an NBA game," Johnson adds. "That's it. You're gonna miss and make shots, you can't care about the misses. He's just got to continue to take them."

Johnson says the talent is clearly not the problem ... but when BS takes the court, he's got to remember that he's that dude.

Ex-NBA star Tyson Chandler and his wife, Kimberly Chandler, are going their separate ways ... TMZ Sports has learned Kimberly filed for divorce this week.

Kimberly, according to court documents, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The two had been married for 16 years and separated in August.

Kimberly often posted pictures of her and the former basketball player on social media during their relationship ... recently showing off a photo of the two from their trip to Coachella in 2016.

"#ItWasAVibe," Kimberly said in the caption with the photo. "#MyLoverAndMe."

The couple has three children -- a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son and another 11-year-old daughter -- from their time together.

In the docs, Kimberly stated she was seeking spousal support ... as well as joint custody of the kids.

The teammates that star in rap music videos together ... win championships together???

That's what Laker fans gotta be hoping ... after LeBron James and Russell Westbrook made big cameos in rap legend Nas' newest visuals for his song, "Brunch on Sundays."

The vid dropped Tuesday (the rapper's 48th birthday) ... showing Nas enjoying a meal at Catch LA with a VIP group of successful artists, athletes and actors -- from Cordae to Hit-Boy to Swizz Beatz and Lil Rel Howery.

Of course, LeBron is a HUUUUGE rap fan ... and has consistently praised the New York MC's latest project, "King's Disease II," on social media since it dropped in August.

It might explain why Bron got the best seat at the table -- right next to Nas as the group enjoys eggs, sushi, mimosas, fries, steak and other delicious items.

Nas commented on the video after it was released ... saying, "Bday Brunch Vibes with my guys."

No word on when the vid was shot, but LBJ and Brodie have been tight way before they became teammates this summer.

But, now that they're both in Purple & Gold, don't be surprised if these sorta things keep happening.

LeBron James is celebrating 8 years of marital bliss with his wife, Savannah, on Tuesday ... by penning her an anniversary love note and sharing some amazing wedding photos.

LBJ posted a fairytale-like moment from their 2013 San Diego wedding on his IG ... showing the lovely couple kissing on a balcony with fireworks in the sky.

"Our own personal Met Gala 8 years ago," James said on the post, "Happy Anniversary Queen!!"

They definitely looked like a King and Queen -- LeBron was dripped out in a sharp black and white tux with Savannah flawlessly wearing an elegant gown with a veil in her updo hairstyle.

"Who am I w/o you in my corner, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Love you," James said.

Savannah also wrote a note to her hubby ... "Happy Anniversary to my forever scary movie partner, my forever feet warmer, the Capricorn to my Virgo, my bestie, my babe!!!"

"8 years down, forever to go! Love you deep!"

The 36-year-old Lakers star has been with Savannah before it all began -- starting as high school sweethearts back in Akron, OH.

The couple got married in 2013 and have three kids, Bronny Jr, Bryce and Zhuri ... and are the true definition of couple goals.

Things are moving in a positive direction for NBA guard Malik Beasley and his ex Montana Yao -- TMZ Sports has learned the former couple is working to mend their relationship every day ... but they are NOT back together.

Of course, Malik and Montana had a nasty and public breakup in 2020 ... after the hooper was spotted out in public with Larsa Pippen.

Montana filed for divorce in December 2020 ... and even claimed Malik abandoned his 2-year-old son, Makai, amid the drama.

We're told Beasley -- who just served 78 days in jail for allegedly pointing a gun at a family that was parked outside his house last September -- has been making things right with Yao after getting out of the slammer ... even personally apologizing for his previous actions.

Malik and Montana have recently been spotted out in public together and appeared to be in good spirits ... with some wondering if they've buried the hatchet and reconciled -- we're told that's not the case.

Speaking of relationships ... It's unclear if MB has moved on to anyone else, but sources say Montana is still focused on healing from what went down.

Good news for Toronto Raptors fans -- and Drake -- the team just announced they'll be playing at home in 2021 after using Tampa as their home court for 19 months!!

Last season, the Raptors had to relocate to Tampa and play their home games in Amalie Arena due to Canada's travel restrictions over COVID-19.

The team hasn't played in their Scotiabank Arena since Feb. 28, 2020 -- but just got the green light to play their preseason opener at home which starts on Oct. 4 against the Sixers.

The capacity limit is still up in the air and there is a COVID vaccination mandate.

"We are optimistic regarding our ability to host full capacity events at Scotiabank Arena," the team said.

"And as a reminder, all people wishing to access the arena — whether to attend an event as a spectator, or as a member of the media — will be required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19 or proof of a medical exemption."

The Raptors season opener is Oct. 20 against the Wizards and it will be in their city of Toronto.

Even the best basketball player on the planet screams for ice cream ... 'cause LeBron James couldn't help himself from devouring a cold treat while vacationing this week -- and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

36-year-old LBJ has been getting some R&R in Europe over the past week ... getting cozy with his wife, Savannah, and hanging with buddies in Italy -- even Elton John!!

Now, King James has found his way to France -- the town of Calvi in Corsica to be exact -- and stopped for a quick cone before hopping back on their lavish yacht to take off to their next destination.

Worth noting -- Bron's been loving the ScHoolboy Q bucket hat look during this trip ... and we're here for it!!

On top of the hat, James is sporting a blue-on-blue look ... and we know what you REALLY care about -- he's rocking some Nike Sacai x LDWaffle "Varsity Blue" sneakers, which are reselling for more than $600 right now on some sites.

Shaquille O'Neal is goin' at Ben Simmons yet again -- this time, the Big Diesel is putting the Sixers star on blast for requesting a trade out of Philly.

"Ben Simmons, you're not that good," the Hall of Famer said on The Big Podcast with Shaq.

"You're not great," he added ... before saying, "To be great, you have to work on your game. Don't be putting pictures on your Instagram of your Ferrari or what actress you're hanging around with."

Simmons has been heavily criticized -- including by Shaq himself -- ever since his performance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, when he scored just 5 points in a Game 7 loss.

In fact, things have gotten so bad, Simmons has reportedly requested a trade ... something Shaq clearly despises.

"When you play for a town like Philadelphia, Boston, L.A., Miami -- a hard-working town -- they don’t give a s*** about none of that," O'Neal said. "They want you to come, work hard and play hard."

Charles Barkley agreed with Shaq ... saying he, too, has been disappointed by what he's seen from Simmons over the past few months.

"When you give somebody $200 million to dribble a stupid basketball," Barkley said, "and the only thing you ask him is be better as a player, and their first response is, 'I don't want to play here anymore,' that disappoints me as a player. It disappoints me as a fan."

A bodybuilder sent Kobe Bryant a letter in 2003 offering to kill his rape accuser ... and the guy later asked for $3 MILLION to do the deed -- this according to newly released FBI docs.

The papers -- obtained by TMZ Sports -- were released by feds earlier this month ... and they reveal new details from the '03 case against Patrick Graber.

The docs, in which Graber's name is redacted, show how feds say they got Graber to fess up to attempting to get cash from Bryant in exchange for making his "problem" disappear.

Federal investigators in the docs say Graber -- who they say was a gym rat -- mailed a FedEx letter to Bryant with the offer ... adding that Bryant's team immediately turned it over to local authorities.

In the docs, officials say they then set up meetings with Graber ... and he allegedly told them the price tag he wanted in order to make Kobe's "problem" go away.

Investigators in the docs say deputies traveled to Kobe's accuser's residence in Colorado to tell her of the possible threat.

Graber was eventually arrested after a lengthy investigation ... and was hit with several charges, including solicitation to commit murder.

L.A. Clippers rookie Brandon Boston Jr. is paying tribute to his friend Terrence Clarke in an amazing way ... by getting a tattoo in honor of his teammate.

Boston and Clarke were inseparable as freshmen at the University of Kentucky this past season ... before both hoopers took their talents to the pro level and entered the 2021 NBA Draft.

However, Clarke was killed in a car accident in Los Angeles on April 22 -- three months before the draft -- and Boston had been training with him prior to the tragedy.

Boston decided to carry Clarke's legacy with him for the rest of his life ... and this week, he got a special ink job to honor his beloved friend.

The rookie guard shared the tribute on Wednesday --with tat artist Wix Tatts immortalizing Clarke's UK basketball photo on the lower left part of his leg ... featuring "TC World" under the image.

The finished product got Clarke's mother's stamp of approval ... with Osmine saying, "This is what you call real love."

"This tattoo is really amazing BJ!"

Many have paid tribute to the 19-year-old since the tragedy -- including NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who selected Clarke as an honorary pick in the 2021 draft.

Natalia Bryant's modeling career has officially begun -- in a big way -- 'cause Kobe's daughter got the cover of Teen Vogue!!

The 18-year-old shared the cover of the TV September issue Wednesday on Insta ... along with a video showin' what went down at the cover shoot!

She also spoke with the magazine about being KB's daughter ... and how her family has handled life since the tragic death of her dad and sister, Gianna.

"September cover! So beyond grateful!" Natalia said, "Thank you SO much Teen Vogue!"

It's Natalia's first major cover ... and she is STUNNING!

Her mom, Vanessa, was very proud ... commenting on Natalia's post, "I love you!!!! You are so beautiful. Congratulations Mamacita!!!!!!"

But, the love isn't just coming from inside the fam ... everyone from Ciara to NBA star Pau Gasol (who they call Uncle Pau) is saying, "You’re amazing, Natalia Bryant!! So proud of you, always! #Family"

Remember, Natalia signed with the major modelling and talent agency, IMG back in February .. saying, "I have a love for the industry and ever since I can remember I wanted to model."

So, Teen Vogue ... safe to say a dope start to her modelling career!

Natalia also started just her freshman year at USC.