LaVar Ball Big Baller Brand's Alive 'We Were Bit By a Snake'
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Don't put a fork in the Big Baller Brand just yet ... LaVar Ball says the brand is NOT folding -- despite the fact Lonzo Ball just covered up his BBB tattoo.
The Big Baller appeared on 98.5 KLUC in Vegas to promote his Big Baller Brand All-American Game, which he says is going on as planned this weekend.
"The game is definitely still happening," LaVar says ... though he wouldn't say if his sons Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo would be on hand for the event.
The issue ... LaVar claims BBB co-founder Alan Foster stole $1.5 million from Lonzo -- and the Lakers star was so pissed, he covered up his BBB tattoo and is rumored to be considering a shoe deal with Nike.
But, LaVar believes the BBB brand is still alive and well -- and vows to fix things after Foster's alleged thievery.
"I'm not gonna let one roodypoo guy come in here and do something bad and then be like the brand's not good," Ball said.
"The brand is good. It's just somebody did something bad to it ... We had a snake up in the thing, but you gotta understand this -- I'm a snake charmer. When you're a snake charmer, you're gonna get bit."
Ball said he treated Foster "like a family member" and feels incredibly betrayed -- saying, "Is it worth $1.5 million to leave a family?"
The big question now ... do LaVar's sons agree with him? Will they stick with the brand? Or is LaVar on his own?
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LeBron James Super Rare Kicks ... For Nobu Date with Wife
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What does LeBron James wear on his feet for a romantic dinner date at the hottest sushi spot in L.A.?? Nothin' fancy ... just a totally super rare set of kicks you'll never find in stores!!
The King and his beautiful wife, Savannah, met up with some friends at Nobu in Malibu while the Lakers played in Utah on Wednesday (LeBron stayed home in L.A.) ... and we were drawn to Bron's all white sneaks.
Turns out, LBJ was wearing a rare pair that us average Joes will never get our hands on -- the John Elliott x Nike LeBron Icon Whites ... which were only handed out to the closest of James' friends.
For reference, the grey versions of the same shoes (also only given to friends and family) are currently rocking price tags at some resale stores for more than $2,000.
Of course, LeBron's got a lifetime deal with the Swoosh ... so don't expect to see him reppin' anything else.
BTW -- the Lakers lost to the Jazz, 115-100 ... but who really cares at this point.
But man, what a flex just for dinner.
There's another element at play here ... LeBron's teammate, Lonzo Ball, is currently at a shoe crossroads after covering up his Big Baller Brand tattoo.
Seems Lonzo is severing ties with BBB in the wake of an alleged financial scandal with the co-founder of the Big Baller Brand ... and the former #2 overall draft pick could be on the hunt for another major sports apparel brand to endorse.
So, while he's in shoe limbo, Ball rocked a pair of $1,000 Dior sneakers earlier this week ... but c'mon, how much better would he look in a pair of Brons?
Good thing he knows a guy ...
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Lonzo Ball Rocks $1,000 Designer Shoes ... After Ditching BBB
Lonzo Ball is an even BIGGER baller after bailing on the Big Baller Brand ... ditching his $500 shoes for a MORE EXPENSIVE pair for the Laker game Tuesday night.
TMZ Sports has learned ... the injured Zo elected to rock a pair of white Dior "B24" kicks while cheering on his teammates from the bench during the game against the Wizards ... which come with a hefty $960 price tag.
Of course ... all eyes have been on Lonzo's feet as he figures out his shoe future following the fallout with BBB. He's even dropped hints on social media about signing with Nike.
But, there were no Swooshes on his feet Tuesday ... just Diors. Really, really, really expensive Diors.
It's the latest shot at the BBB brand ... Lonzo's already covered up his Big Baller tattoo after his manager called for a BBB boycott while throwing a pair of ZO2s in the dumpster.
In other words, the Ball family business looks about as dead as LiAngelo's college hoops career.
Still, one major mystery remains ... WHEN ARE WE GOING TO HEAR FROM LAVAR?
The biggest of the Ballers has been eerily silent since the BBB fallout went public.
There are reports Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo are not speaking with their dad -- but no one has publicly commented about the state of the family.
If there's one thing we know about LaVar ... he won't stay quiet for long.
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Lonzo Ball's Manager Trashes Big Baller Brand Shoes ... Calls for BBBoycott
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Lonzo Ball's manager wants everyone to take their $500 Big Baller Brand shoes and THROW THEM IN THE TRASH.
Yeah, seems the Big Baller era is officially over.
The guy dumping his ZO2s is Darren "DMo" Moore -- Lonzo's longtime friend and manager.
Moore posted video of the shoe-trashing on social media -- along with the hashtag, "DumpUrMerch."
So, why is Zo's camp turning on Big Baller Brand?
It's obviously connected to reports that BBB co-founder Alan Foster allegedly stole $1.5 MILLION from Lonzo's personal and business accounts.
Ball has lawyered up and says he plans to go after Foster.
In a statement, Lonzo says he still has love and respect for Foster -- but it seems his manager DMo doesn't feel the same way.
Important to point out that Lonzo isn't calling for people to trash his shoes -- he's still a majority owner in the company -- but it's not a good sign that his manager is calling for a worldwide BBB dump.
There are also reports the Ball family is considering folding the BBB brand altogether.
As for Lonzo, he's hinted on social media that he could sign with Nike.
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Soulja Boy Gucci is Racist!!! I'm Not Playing My Song
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EXCLUSIVE
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Soulja Boy isn't wearing Gucci bandanas anymore, and he sure as hell ain't about to rap about them ... because he thinks the brand is "racist as f**k!!!"
The rapper is still raging mad over Gucci's blackface scandal -- and we got this video of him stopping his Sunday performance at the High Times Dope Cup in Adelanto, CA ripping the company a new one.
Soulja starts rapping "Gucci Bandanna" before stopping the show and bashing Gucci over its disastrous decision to sell a sweater resembling blackface. SB doesn't hold back, calling the sweater "racist ass s**t" and telling Gucci to "suck my d**k!"
Young Drako is still on board with the Gucci boycott, and that's gotta suck for them ... because he says he's spent over $1 million on Gucci in the last 10 years!
Yeah, Soulja's days as a walking, talking Gucci billboard are over. For now.
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The Jonas Brothers From Nice to Vice ... Miami Party Like it's 1984!!!
The Jonas Brothers are poppin' in Miami ... with some bright ass colors that are clearly an homage to "Miami Vice."
Nick, Joe and Kevin are down in South Beach shooting their next music video. They're on a yacht and looking very Crockett & Tubbs -- the main characters on the classic TV show, for you kids. The pastels are a nice throwback ... although only 2 of the bros were even alive at the height of "Miami Vice."
The bros were also seen wearing matching blue suits ... laughing it up while sitting and holding vintage tanning reflectors. Bronze, baby!! Guessing this was also for the music video ... though nobody would blame 'em for trying to get some color. When in Rome! Joe was also spotted with his boo Sophie at the Prince x Unknwn dinner at Swan on Friday.
It's unclear what music video they're shooting but it could be the trio's second release from their upcoming new album. You'll recall they released their "Sucker" music video earlier this month ... featuring their significant others Priyanka Chopra, Sophie Turner and Danielle Jonas.
That music video -- shot in England, btw -- took the world by storm. No sign of the lady Jonases down in the 305, but just in case you need a refresher ... here it is, Sucker!
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Kim and Kanye Buy Some Special Edition Yeezys ... Support A Good Cause
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian got ya covered if you're thirsty for lemonade and unreleased Yeezys ... and it's all to raise money for a great cause.
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Kanye, Kim and Adidas partnered with families across the country Friday to create homemade lemonade stands hawking fresh drinks, and even fresher kicks ... and all the proceeds are being donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The pop-ups are operating right now ... and if you run across one, you can cop an unreleased pair of the Yeezy Boost 700 V2 "Geode" for $300. The lemonade stands are up and running in Indianapolis, Texas, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota.
Kim and Kanye are also busy building their own stand, which they'll set up in their community.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
If you're unable to make it to one of the custom stands ... you can still donate here.
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Podcaster Adam22 Gunman Charged In Live Stream Robbery Attempt
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EXCLUSIVE
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Police and prosecutors believe podcast host Adam Grandmaison's life really was in danger when a guy busted in during his live stream and put a gun to his head ... 'cause the suspect's been charged, and he's still behind bars.
The hip-hop host of the "No Jumper" podcast -- known as Adam22 -- was violently interrupted while recording his show Sunday when the gunman pointed his weapon at Adam and threatened his life.
According to the L.A. County D.A.'s office ... the suspect, 24-year-old David Tran, has now been charged with one count of attempted second-degree robbery. He's still in custody and being held on $100k bail.
After video of the scary moment surfaced, many skeptics wondered if Adam staged it for publicity. Adam spoke to us and made it clear -- it was 100 percent real and serious, and everyone was fortunate there were no deaths ... especially the gunman.
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As we reported ... Adam's security at his BMX and clothing store took control of the situation by quickly taking the guy down, and Adam ended his live stream and called the cops.
Adam had a sense of humor about the ordeal too ... saying, "One minute you're tweeting jokes about f***ing cats and the next minute you got a gun to your head."
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Danielle Bregoli Happy 16th Bday, Kid ... Here's Your First Rolex!!!
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EXCLUSIVE
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Danielle Bregoli just hit a milestone of wealth and success at a very young age -- she's now the proud owner of a Rolex watch ... the perfect way to ring in her 16th birthday.
Sources tell us Bhad Bhabie received her first Rolex ever Tuesday in NYC as an early birthday gift to celebrate her sweet 16, courtesy of her managers, Adam Kluger and Dan Roof. We're told Danielle has always wanted a Rolex but hasn't gotten around to snagging one.
The diamond-encrusted watch is a beaut, and it's custom too.
Our sources say this is a Mother of Pearl Rolex, and it comes fully loaded with 15.38 carats of VS diamonds around the band, and 1.5 carats of VS diamonds on the Roman numerals lining the face dial. All in all ... we're talking about a $42,000 value.
We're told the watch was commissioned by Joel the Jeweler in L.A.
We got Danielle out in NYC Tuesday and she was already sporting her new gift ... but she says there's still one more present that'll make her bday perfect.
Danielle certainly deserves it -- she's been riding a wave of success so high for so long now that it's somewhat surprising she hadn't copped one of these before. From smash hit songs to her own reality show on Snapchat, she's come a long way from her "Dr. Phil" days.
Happy birthday, kid.
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Cam Newton On Taylor Hearn Fight ... 'It's Unfortunate'
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EXCLUSIVE
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How does Cam Newton feel about his Carolina Panthers offensive lineman, Taylor Hearn, getting knocked out in a street fight?
Exactly how you think he would feel ... telling TMZ Sports, "It's unfortunate."
Cam didn't wanna get too into the situation involving Hearn ... but noted he hasn't spoken with the 23-year-old since the incident.
We broke the story ... Hearn -- 6'4", 315 pounds -- tried to fight several people outside of a bar in Augusta, Georgia ... only to get KO'd by a guy half his size.
The one thing Cam DID want to talk about ... HATS!!!
Turns out, Newton is a part owner of the Meshika hat company -- where our photog, Charlie, gets all his cool headwear and the two talked about their obsession with lids!
In fact, Cam told us he's got roughly 50 HATS from legendary hat maker Alberto Hernandez -- and he still remembers the very first one he ever bought!
The hat obsession ain't cheap -- some of Alberto's hats can run upwards of $1,800!!
Good thing Cam's rich (he's reportedly made more than $104 million during his NFL career!).
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Karl Lagerfeld Death Certificate Cements French Legacy
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EXCLUSIVE
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Iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld is being remembered in France as one of the nation's favorite adopted sons ... and it's all spelled out in his death certificate.
We've obtained Karl's death certificate, issued last month in Paris, and it highlights the fact that the German-born designer was awarded the prestigious decoration, Commander of the Legion of Honor ... France's highest civil merit.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy presented the medal to Karl in 2010 ... well-deserved, because Karl spent 55 years designing in Paris, so the Parisians made sure the honor wasn't forgotten. Fun fact: Napoleon started the Legion of Honor in 1802.
As we reported -- Karl died February 19 in a Paris hospital -- the certificate lists 10:20 AM as the time of death.
The cause of death is not revealed ... though Karl was battling pancreatic cancer.
The certificate lists "artistic director" as Karl's profession. As you know, he was the toast of the fashion world for decades, designing for Fendi and Chanel.
The doc says Patrick Negri, the branch manager of a Barclays Bank, identified Lagerfeld's body ... if only Karl's beloved cat, Choupette, could talk.
Karl was 85.
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Antonio Brown Leaving Steelers Destroyed Me!!! ... Says Carson Kressley
It's the sports reaction you never thought you'd need ... but you'll be glad you watched, trust us.
Antonio Brown is no longer a Pittsburgh Steeler ... and there's one superfan who's still trying to figure out what to hell to do about losing his favorite player -- that guy is Carson Kressley.
Yes, as it turns out, the 'Queer Eye' star -- an Allentown, PA native -- is a HUGE Steelers fan. Seriously, the dude even has AB's total yardage memorized like some kinda freak.
So, with CK being the biggest AB fan east of the Mississippi, we had to ask the fashion guru how he's handling the news of Brown going to the Silver and Black.
And, uh ... let's just say he's had better days.
"I can't believe it," Kressley tells us in NYC. "We're gonna miss him. Antonio, come back to us, please!!!"
There are fake tears, hugs, and compliments shared as our camera guy consoles the devastated Kressley ... and it makes you almost feel bad for the dude.
Stay strong, Carson. There's always JuJu.
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Khloe Kardashian Quite a Catch for Malika's Bday ... In See-Through Fishnet Suit
Khloe Kardashian might be looking past her Tristan Thompson drama ... but everyone else is looking directly at her rocking a very sheer outfit for her BFF's party.
Khloe was on the prowl Sunday night in Las Vegas, where she was celebrating 2 birthdays -- for her best GF, Malika Haqq, and her twin, Khadijah Haqq McCray. They're well into their dirty 30s at age 36 -- meanwhile, Khloe's a couple years younger at 34.
Either way, it looks like Khloe's ready to embrace single life again -- her wardrobe definitely is. Y'know what they say about fish in the sea, and nothing catches 'em like a see-through fishnet suit.
We haven't seen her with Tristan since his latest cheating scandal -- and there's no reason to think we will anytime soon. As you know, Khloe let Kylie's BFF, Jordyn Woods, off the hook and laid blame on Tristan.
He seems to be moving on, based on the company he's been keeping -- so, Khloe should too.
Get it, girl!
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Justin Bieber Get Your New Drew House Gear!!! Even If You're Still Waiting for the Old
Justin Bieber's clothing line seems to believe the ol' saying, "Always leave them wanting more" ... because his second collection just launched, while some fans wait for the first to deliver.
Several Drew House customers tell TMZ ... they haven't received their orders from the enormously popular brand's Collection 1, which launched on January 29. It was such a hit, it sold out in a day. They say they were told the products would be shipped out in 5-7 business days, but more than a month later, it hasn't happened.
We're told Bieber's company contacted the customers about the delay -- blaming it on "overselling" -- and even offered refunds to folks who don't want to keep waiting. Otherwise, they've been promised the items will be restocked next week and delivered asap.
The hiccups don't seem to be affecting the recent launch of Collection 2 -- which includes more shirts, pants, sweats and hats but in different styles -- because 4 of the 12 new items are already sold out.
True Beliebers think it's worth the wait.
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Kid Cudi Drops $275k to Ensure Birthday's Off the (Diamond) Chain!!!
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EXCLUSIVE
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Kid Cudi turned 35 a little over a month ago but dude's still turning up in style ... with this INSANE custom diamond chain.
We're told the rapper commissioned celebrity jeweler Ben Baller to get it done as a birthday gift to himself. It cost Cudi a whopping $275k!!! The BAPE camo diamond chain carries a sick colorful pendant ... including black diamonds to make out Cudi's hair and white diamonds for Cudi's t-shirt.
The pendant's also littered with Cognac diamonds for Cudi's face, canary diamonds for Cudi's rings and blue diamonds for the pants. The "stoner" eyeballs are made up of rubies. The piece was designed by Japanese fashion designer Nigo, who used to own the popular BAPE clothing line. Kid Cudi has been featured in some of their collections over the years.
Solid way to celebrate turning 35. Remember ... Cudi broke bread with Kanye West, Pete Davidson and Oscar-nominated actor Timothee Chalamet back in January in Malibu to ring in 35.
Now, he can keep celebrating in style.
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LeBron James Props From MJ After Passing Him On All-Time Scoring List
The GOAT has spoken ... Michael Jordan is giving props to LeBron James after passing him on the NBA's all-time scoring list ... calling it "another great milestone."
King James jumped over the Jumpman with an easy bucket midway through the 2nd quarter of Wednesday night's Lakers vs. Nuggets game ... and it was an emotional moment.
James only needed 13 points to pass MJ's 32,292 ... but once it finally happened, the Lakers played a tribute video to LBJ ... and then came the waterworks.
👏 @KingJames reflects on the milestone! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Te1cxOwZp6
@NBA
MJ gave his own tribute to James after the game ... saying "I want to congratulate LeBron on achieving another great milestone during his amazing career."
The love was mutual ... as LeBron honored the 6-time champ with a pair of custom LeBron 16s made to look like the Jordan 3s.
Even 2 Chainz -- Bron's new music partner -- got in on the fun by gifting him one of his chains from his courtside seat after the game.
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Despite the celebration, Bron was brought back down to earth quick ... with the Lakers losing the game 115-99 in a blowout loss.
LeBron commented on the milestone after the game, saying he idolized Michael growing up ... "To be linked with the greatest I ever seen play the game, it's crazy to me."
"I wouldn't be here without him."
Watch your back, Kobe ... you're next (no really, he's #3 on the list).