Family

LeBron James channeled his inner LaVar Ball on Monday ... declaring his 18-year-old son, Bronny, is "definitely" a better basketball player than some guys in the NBA right now.

"Man Bronny definitely better than some of these cats I've been watching on league pass today," King James said on Twitter as he recovers from his foot injury. "S*** lightweight hilarious 🤣🤣🤣🤣."

Some bird app users assumed the tweet was fake ... but it's certainly real and was posted on Bron's verified account.

Of course, Bronny is a high school star ... and some draft experts think he could be a top-10 pick when he's draft eligible in 2024.

The 6'2", 180-pound Sierra Canyon guard still has to wait a year before going to the league ... and he's yet to announce a potential college he'll attend in the fall.

LeBron has been able to get an up-close look at Bronny's skills at games recently ... sitting in the front row -- rocking a boot -- as his oldest son dropped 21 points in a playoff contest.

The Lakers superstar was surrounded by hype throughout his high school career at Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary ... and his tweet will certainly put an even brighter spotlight on Bronny.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez pulled the plug on a mansion they were trying to buy -- but for good reason -- 'cause the new one they want is way nicer ... and twice as expensive.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... the married couple is currently in escrow for a massive property in the Pacific Palisades, the same neighborhood where they were just in escrow for another house ... only to reverse course at the last minute, as we first reported Sunday.

This new crib is quite the palace ... whereas the mansion they just bailed on was worth about $34 million, this one they now have their sights on is valued at a whopping $64M!

The price tag is certainly high, but it might be worth it when you consider everything it comes with -- including 8 bedrooms, 11 baths and 16,000 sq. feet of a fortress on a 1.13-acre compound. Yeah ... it's humongous -- and that's not including everything else inside.

Ben and Jen's would-be new home comes with an 800-square ft. gym, a professional media room, a game room, a spacious backyard and a resort-style pool/spa with a firepit area too. There's a whole separate guest house, which has its own Japanese-style soaking tub.

And, don't get us started on the views ... of course, they're canyon-side and to die for.

Mind you, this is the property that Bennifer recently visited in person ... and our sources tell us they've been swinging by frequently to eyeball changes they might wanna make once the sale goes through. They do this often, BTW -- even at the other PP house they nixed.

Oh, and if you're wondering how Ben/Jen can afford such a pricey pad -- beyond just being filthy rich -- we have answers on that as well. Our sources say Jen's famed Bel-Air estate, which has been on the market for a minute, is also now in escrow with a potential buyer for $39M.

Add on the fact Ben recently sold his own Pacific Palisades mansion for around $30 mil, and they've got plenty of money for the new crib.

"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Crystal Kung Minkoff is gettin' sued ... along with her filmmaker husband and her brother over a car accident they allegedly caused.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Candice Shahandeh-Rad claims she was stopped on the off-ramp of an L.A. freeway last November in her Audi when she was "suddenly and violently" rear-ended, causing her to hit the car in front of her.

The docs say Crystal's brother, Jeffrey Kung, was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.  Candice claims Jeffrey got out of the Mercedes-Benz and "admitted he was distracted" ... although the lawsuit doesn't go into further detail about why or how.

We're told neither Crystal or her hubby Rob Minkoff -- a director of several hit films for Disney -- were in the Benz, but the plaintiff believes they own the car and/or employ her brother as a driver.

Candice says she suffered injuries from the crash, not to mention damage to her car, too. We got pictures of what we're told is the aftermath of the accident, and it shows the smashed front end of the Mercedes.

The guy who got a million bucks for selling the record-breaking Powerball ticket didn't spend the dough on a new car or a fancy vacation ... so says his son-in-law, ex-NFL star Domata Peko, who tells TMZ Sports he gave $100k to his grandkids instead!!

Joe Chahayed -- who owns the Joe's Service Center gas station in Altadena, CA -- was the man of the hour in November ... after it was announced his shop sold the $2 BILLION ticket.

We spoke with 38-year-old Peko about Joe's million-dollar payday ... and he says it really wasn't so life-changing, 'cause he's still grinding every day at work!!

"That's the one thing about him, he's one of the hardest workers I know," Peko said. "He's been working forever. And even though he won and got that quick little million, he's still grinding, bro."

The former Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle says Chahayed didn't ball out with his winnings, but set his grandchildren up with an amazing financial gift.

"I'm like, 'hell yeah,' that's the type of person he is, man," Peko said. "He loves to give back. And that's why I think God keeps blessing him, man, because he loves to give."

As it turns out, good karma might be heading Chahayed's way ... 'cause Peko says he heard the person who won -- a man named Edwin Castro, who reportedly collected the prize as a lump sum of $997.6 million -- wants to give Joe a nice "thank you" gift!!

Peko also said there's now a line out Chahayed's door every time there's a huge drawing ... with customers hoping luck strikes again at his station.

Of course, a lawsuit was filed as a result of the lotto ... with a guy named Jose Rivera claiming he was the real winner, but his ticket was stolen.

Travis Kelce just took the stage at Studio 8H ... and the Kansas City Chiefs superstar crushed his "Saturday Night Live" monologue -- hilariously mocking Patrick Mahomes in the process.

Kelce -- wearing a sharp double-breasted suit -- had the crowd laughing from start to finish ... with jokes about getting busted for weed in college, his infamous dating show, his QB's unique voice and, of course, beating his older brother, Jason, in the Super Bowl.

The Philadelphia Eagles star was in the front row for the whole thing ... and cameras even cut to him multiple times as Travis talked about growing up together.

"Jason and I have actually been playing football together since we were little kids, and he was always better than me at everything," Kelce said.

"In high school, he was an honor student, and I got kicked off the team because I failed French ... and English too, but French sounds way better."

"Then when we were in college, I actually got kicked off the team because I tested positive for marijuana. So, it just goes to show you if you smoke weed and you're bad at school, you can win the Super Bowl twice."

Travis' family -- including Mama Kelce -- were also present for the monologue.

Kelce explained it was an emotional moment for him ... as he grew up watching Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler on the same stage.

Jason also made an appearance in a skit later in the show ... just as 'SNL' producers previously told us they were trying to make happen.

One of the oldest men living in the U.S. had the celebration of a lifetime, ringing in his big 109th birthday with the help of a belly dancer!!!

Thomas Markoff tells us ... his grandpa Morrie Markoff turned 109 back on January 11 and he celebrated at his downtown L.A. condo.

It's pretty hilarious ... the dancer comes out in a white bedazzled getup and gramps was grinning ear-to-ear.

The dancer really puts on a show ... serenading the birthday boy to a song as he watches from his chair and he even provides some funny commentary.

Thomas says it was especially memorable because his granddad is up there and doesn't get out much.

Morrie isn't the first centenarian to be entertained by the ladies ... a man in Texas celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by a bunch of strippers, courtesy of his daughter ... worth the wait, right?

Drew Sidora will be serving hot tea on her divorce for the upcoming season of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" ... we've learned producers brought cameras out again to capture the fallout from her explosive allegations.

Production sources tell TMZ … 'RHOA' fans will get all the scoop on Drew's contentious divorce from Ralph Pittman, despite the fact group shoots for the upcoming 15th season wrapped back in January.

We're told producers started rolling on new confessional interviews this week, with Drew talking all about what went down leading up to the split.

Our sources say production is also filming new confessionals with the other housewives ... so you gotta imagine they all have strong feelings and reactions to Drew's split.

As of now, fans won't be hearing from Ralph. We're told he hasn't filmed anything -- with Drew or solo -- talking about the split. Interestingly, we're told Drew and Ralph are still living under the same roof ... possibly for the sake of their two children.

TMZ broke the story ... Drew refiled divorce docs in which she accuses Ralph of cheating with multiple women, emotional abuse and screwing with her finances.

You'll recall, the two raced to file for divorce on February 27 ... with Drew beating him to the courthouse by just one hour. Her original filing made no mention of his alleged infidelity or abuse. She amended her divorce petition after learning Ralph had, surprisingly, filed docs of his own.

WWE Superstar Tamina Snuka is so proud of her cousin/Dwayne Johnson's daughter, Ava Raine, she was literally overcome with emotion during a recent interview with TMZ Sports.

Tamina -- daughter of WWE legend Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and cuz to The Rock -- said she views Ava as one of her daughters, and recalled how she felt when Ava made her NXT debut.

"When you have your niece who has been there watching your career through that whole time," Tamina said, adding ... "and you're seeing this girl grow up to be the woman that she is today, you can't help but be so totally proud of her."

Tamina also talked about how, despite the enormous pressure on Ava that comes with being the offspring of a WWE legend, the 21-year-old wrestler hasn't let it affect her.

The former WWE women's tag team champion also praised her other family members ... WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa for the dominant run they've enjoyed over the last few years.

"Everybody wants to be part of the bloodline," Tamina said.

"I'm proud of that bloodline. They are all thriving. They are finding who they are. They each have something to prove. It's a family bond."

Tamina also talked to us about WWE Rivals on A&E, which will feature the on and off-screen feud between The Rock and John Cena, and she says she's looking forward to reliving their epic rivalry.

The episode airs this Sunday, March 5.

Prince Harry has broken open the cookie jar of his life -- even more so than he already had -- and let a doctor dig in deep during an hour-plus sit-down ... who even diagnosed him.

The Duke of Sussex had a long convo with Dr. Gabor Maté Saturday, where they dove into his book, "Spare," and the benefits of Harry living his true, authentic life ... while breaking away from the Royal Family, which he says was holding him back from this for years.

During the chat, they talked at length about trauma, vulnerability, healing and why Harry was opening up as much as he is. For that last bit, PH actually calls all this (the book/press run) a service to others ... because he genuinely believes it'll help folks better themselves.

There were a lot of standout moments -- including the fact Harry insists he's not a victim, nor is he seeking sympathy here -- but one that truly flashed was when Dr. Maté diagnosed him right on the spot ... handing down disorders that he says he perceived from reading about Harry and talking to him too. Among them ... ADD, PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Much of it, DGM explained, stems from his childhood -- with the death of his mother being a main factor, of course. Harry seemed to accept Dr. Mate's diagnoses at face value ... even acknowledging that he'd been diagnosed with PTSD by his own personal therapist.

Another interesting tidbit ... Harry talking about his past substance use. He distanced himself from cocaine -- saying he felt no benefit from it -- but he did praise marijuana and psychedelics ... explaining that he felt both of those had helped him become more clear.

At one point, Harry also addressed the flak he continues to catch from the media and others for speaking up about his private life/woes -- in his mind, he actually thinks the criticism hurts more than it helps, because he says it discourages normies from opening up.

Harry also talked about his wife, Meghan Markle, and his kids. In terms of MM, he praised her as saving his life and helping him break free from what he essentially calls shackles of the Royal institution ... and when it comes to his kids, he says he's trying to heap on as much love and affection as he can, to compensate for what he says he lacked as a child.

Frankly, much of the conversation focused on mental health ... not so much on Harry's father or brother or any other particular Royal. But, there was a noteworthy revelation PH dropped -- he says when he was first getting into therapy, he actually encouraged his "family" to do the same ... presumably, that means he approached Will/Charles with the prospect. It doesn't sound like they took him up on it, though, and Harry says he believes it actually widened the divide between them. As he put it, therapy was both a blessing and a hindrance.

Toward the end, Harry fielded Qs from people who were watching ... none of them were all that profound or pointed -- most simply asked how/why Harry thought it was important to seek help ... and some of the most effective ways he thought folks could do that.

The takeaway ... Harry very much believes in his work to bring mental health awareness to the forefront -- and one of the vehicles he's using to do that is to put his own life and story on the dissection table for all to see. Not everyone may love it, but he thinks it's ultimately a good thing to lay it all out there ... even at the risk of further pissing off the Royals.

A few things that were NOT discussed here ... Harry and Meghan getting evicted from Frogmore Cottage (which they confirmed was happening this past week), King Charles' coronation, South Park making fun of them ... or next steps with the Royals at large.

Dr. Maté did somewhat allude to a controversy surrounding himself -- where he was accused of being antisemitic by some for his defense of Palestine -- and the guy made clear ... he comes from Jewish heritage and had family that lived through Nazi-occupied Europe. Without directly saying it, he seemed to suggest he wasn't antisemitic ... far from it, in fact.

All in all, it was insightful. And it's obvious Harry might keep on talking from here on out.

Cardi B and Offset's date night meal deal might be a hot seller with McDonald's customers, but some McDonald's franchisees still think they're not good for business.

It doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense by the numbers, but Fortune reports some of the brand's franchisees are making a stink about the partnership with the hip hop superstars ... on the basis their music includes profanity that isn't "family friendly."

The grimacing, if you will, franchisees are even quoting the corporation's "Golden Arches Code" (yeah, they've got one) ... which states, "Partnerships with celebrities and influencers that have potential risk to damage our brand based on statements they have made or their positions on certain issues” aren’t permitted.

Another section of the Code says, "Music partnerships associated with content that includes offensive language in the lyrics" are also forbidden.

McDonald's dropped a bundle to launch Offset and Cardi's meal deal ... buying at least $7 million worth of Super Bowl commercial time -- and it's been paying off.

Mickey D's insiders told Fortune there's been grumbling about the endorsement deal, but since it's successfully bringing in so many younger customers -- as we saw last month in Times Square -- they don't expect anything to come of the franchisees' complaints.

For what it's worth, franchisees do own about 95% of all McDonald's restaurants.

McDonald's chief marketing exec Tariq Hassan said, "We’re focused on putting McDonald’s at the center of culture" ... and, obviously, that's exactly where pop culture icons like Cardi B and Offset can take them.

The bromantic dinner between Henry Winkler and Patrick Mahomes hasn't gone down yet ... but the actor tells TMZ Sports the offer still stands -- and, yes, ricotta-stuffed chicken is still on the menu.

Remember, The Fonz rapidly became Mahomies with Mahomes after shouting him out on a radio show last year -- and it all eventually led to a very sweet in-person meetup at the Chiefs vs. Chargers game this past season.

In fact, the friendship evolved so much between the two ... Winkler actually ended up inviting Mahomes to a dinner at his house in Los Angeles to dine on his famous chicken dish.

When we got Winkler out at LAX this week, though, he said the breaking of bread with the NFL star has yet to happen ... but he's still holding out hope it'll eventually go down.

"Patrick," Winkler told us, "I really hope you take me up on my offer and come over to my house for dinner."

Winkler said his chicken stuffed with cheese will be on the menu any time ... adding that "of course" Brittany Mahomes and the children are invited!!

Alex Murdaugh, who was sentenced to life Friday morning, already has a different look as he heads to prison ... with a completely shaved head.

The new mug shot was taken just a few hours after he was in a South Carolina courthouse to hear his sentence for murdering his wife and son.

Murdaugh had a full head of hair as the judge gave him 2 life sentences ... so they clearly put the razor to him shortly after he was walked out of court in handcuffs. We're told that's S.O.P., so it's not like he had a choice in the matter.

As we reported, a jury convicted him Thursday of 2 counts of murder and 2 counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. They reached the verdict after less than 3 hours of deliberations.

As you know, Murdaugh's wife Maggie and 22-year-old son Paul were found dead back in 2021 on the family property in Islandton, SC -- they'd been shot with 2 different guns.

Murdaugh was indicted last summer for their murders, but always maintained he was innocent and had an alibi ... but that was blown up when prosecutors presented video and audio proving he was on the property moments -- within earshot of Maggie and Paul -- before the murders.

Adam Levine and fam are gonna have their hands full, because they just got a new puppy that promises to eventually tip the scales at over 100 lbs!!!

Adam was in Montecito Friday caressing his new pooch -- a fluffy Leonberger, a German-bred dog that will be enormous. Females get up to 140 lbs and dude dogs 170 lbs -- yes 170!!!

Check out the pup's paws ... you can see what's in store for the Levine family.

Aside from sheer size ... these dogs shed like crazy -- so much so, grooming them has become a cottage industry. There are even competitions for who can get the biggest hairballs.

BTW ... can't tell if it's a male or female ... it's a little shy in the pics!

LeBron James' foot injury didn't stop him from going to Bronny's playoff game on Thursday night ... and he's sure as hell glad that was the case, 'cause he got to see his kid go OFF in a thriller!!

The young James and his Sierra Canyon squad went up against sixth-seeded Etiwanda in Chatsworth, Calif. in a CIF State regional quarterfinal game ... and Bronny had quite the night.

The 6-foot-3 guard -- who was just selected to the McDonald's All-American Game -- scored 21 points from all over the court ... and even got a chance to throw down a huge dunk in front of dad.

LeBron was front and center to watch it all -- cheering his face off -- while making sure to keep his injured foot protected by a huge walking boot.

Riding Bronny's performance, the Trailblazers ultimately won the important game, 61-55 -- and LeBron couldn't have been happier about it afterward.

"Bronny you were SPECIAL tonight kid!!" James said via Twitter. "Keep going! AlwaysProudDad"

Bronny's S.C. team will now head to the semifinals to face Bishop Montgomery, the tourney's No. 2 seed, on Saturday.

Lucky for 'Bron, the Lakers are off on that date ... so, it's more than likely he'll be courtside for the big game then, too.

Alex Murdaugh will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murders of his wife and son ... and the judge seemed to say the death penalty might have been more appropriate.

The life sentence was handed down Friday in a South Carolina courthouse ... the sentencing comes a day after the jury convicted him of two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime -- a verdict reached by the jury after less than three hours of deliberations.

Before the judge handed down the sentence, Murdaugh maintained he did not commit the murders. The judge said it was heartbreaking for him to see Murdaugh going from a grieving husband and father to a killer. The judge noted prosecutors could have sought the death penalty, and seemed to say the death penalty may have been the right punishment.

After Murdaugh said he didn't commit the crime, the judge said he agreed it might have been an alter ego ... the monster within.

Murdaugh’s legal team told TMZ ... "We are disappointed in the jury’s verdict but we will not have any further comment until after sentencing."

Murdaugh's 22-year-old son Paul and his wife Maggie were found dead back in 2021 at their hunting property in Islandton, South Carolina. Murdaugh was originally described by authorities as only a "person of interest," largely because he claimed to have an airtight alibi.

During the trial, however, prosecutors introduced video and audio evidence showing that Alex’s alibi evidence was not credible, and placed him at the scene of the crime at about the time of the killings

Murdaugh later admitted on the stand that he had lied to authorities about not being at the property, but nevertheless insisted he had not killed his wife and son.

Live from New York, it's Jason Kelce!!! Oh, and his kid brother whatshisname, Super Bowl champ guy ... Travis Kelce too.

Yep, there's a good chance it happens, because the Eagles star -- who lost to Travis' Chiefs last month -- was asked to make a special cameo appearance this weekend on "Saturday Night Live" for Travis' hosting gig.

Sources close to production tell TMZ Sports ... Travis will have some familiar faces in the crowd for his big night, including his famous mom Donna Kelce, his Uncle Don, Aunt Joan, and possibly his dad, Ed.

'SNL' producers are hoping Jason joins the family affair too, and not just to sit in the audience. We're told they want him in front of the camera at some point during the show.

Sources say Jason's attendance will be a last-minute decision, though, considering he and his wife just welcomed a baby girl, Bennett, last week -- plus he's also busy with the NFL Combine and his 'New Heights' podcast.

Having Jason join in on Travis' show makes total sense ... especially considering Super Bowl LVII was dubbed "The Kelce Bowl" as their teams faced off in the big game.

Both Kelces are also known to be two of the most talented and charismatic guys in the NFL, so the possibilities in the writers' room are endless. Travis has already dropped two hilarious promos for his comedic debut.

Sources say the Kelce clan is "very excited" for Travis' moment ... but Jason's gonna get his own shine when the fam heads to Philly Sunday to spend time with his new bundle of joy.

Ya wouldn't usually say this to athletes, but in this case, you can -- break a leg, Travis ... and possibly Jason!