Los Angeles Clippers

It's been 5 years since the NBA forced Donald Sterling to sell the L.A. Clippers -- but the billionaire tells TMZ Sports he's STILL a fan of his former team and rooting for them in the playoffs.

Remember, Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life on April 29, 2014 over racist comments recorded by V. Stiviano and published on TMZ.

The league forced Sterling to sell the team -- which he did a few months later for the whopping price of $2 BILLION.

Sterling has since moved on with his life -- but when we spotted him in Beverly Hills, we had to know if he's still following the Clippers, and rooting for them in the playoffs.

"Of course," the 84-year-old billionaire told us on his way out of Nate'n Al ... "And, I wish them the best!"

We also asked Sterling how he felt about Magic Johnson stepping down as the President of the Lakers -- and that's when Sterling looked up and gave a devious smirk.

It's Sterling's previous comments about Magic that led to his own demise -- when he told V. Stiviano he didn't want her bringing black people to Clippers games, including Magic Johnson.

Weeks after we published the recordings, Sterling went on CNN to attack Magic again -- calling him an unfit role model for children because "he's got AIDS."

Johnson fired back at the time -- saying Sterling was an ignorant old man who's still living in the stone ages.

**WARNING -- VIDEO CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE**

Snoop Dogg is already counting the Clippers out of the playoffs -- saying they SUCK -- and they'll never be as good as the Lakers.

The rap legend went OFF after the Clips got destroyed by the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night -- saying the series is a wrap already ... even though L.A. is only down 2-1.

"So what y'all made the playoffs, n**** , y'all ain't doing nothing," Snoop said ... "Same ol' Clippers."

Snoop is a hardcore Lakers fan -- and even though the Lake Show didn't make the playoffs, he still thinks it's WORSE to be a Clipper.

"Y'all still our little brothers, n****! Clippers gonna always be our little brothers ... No banners. No flags. Nothing!"

On the flip side, the Lakers have 16 championships and 31 conference titles ... plus, they've retired jerseys of some of the greatest players in NBA history -- from Magic to Kobe.

Floyd Mayweather gave his neck a workout at the Clippers vs. Warriors game at Staples Center on Thursday ... busting out 4 HUGE GOLD CHAINS to floss in front of a star-studded crowd.

Mayweather -- who paired his chains with some funky checkered shorts -- sat courtside to watch Steph Curry and Kevin Durant put the smackdown on L.A. in a 132 to 105 blowout in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series.

There were a TON of celebs at the game ... including Meek Mill, who wore a shirt honoring rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Terrell Owens was also in the building along with Billy Crystal, Scottie Pippen, John Calipari, Maverick Carter and more.

TMZ Sports spoke with future Hall of Famer Lou Williams on Tuesday night ... and yeah, you read that correctly ... 'cause the L.A. Clippers star says he's deserving of a spot in Springfield!!!

We spoke with the 2-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner at the Ethika pop-up shop in L.A. on Tuesday night ... and asked if he's done enough to join the game's best players in the Hall if he's named the league's best bench player again.

"Yeah, I've seen guys in the Hall of Fame with less. I've put the work in," the 14-year NBA veteran tells us.

As for his career numbers -- he's averaging 14.2 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds a game. And even though he's never made an All-Star team, he's considered one of the greatest 6th men ever.

In fact, dude even got a shout-out in the 2015 Drake song, "6 Man" ... 'memba that:

"Boomin' out in South Gwinnett like Lou Will. 6 Man like Lou Will, 2 girls and they get along like I'm (Lou Will). Like I'm Lou Will, I just got the new deal."

Good times ...

Anyway, Williams says he's still got time to prove his HOF worthiness -- but tells us, "I've put a lot of work in, so it'll be nice to even get that appreciation."

Montrezl Harrell will be reppin' the late Nipsey Hussle when the L.A. Clippers take the court in the NBA playoffs ... honoring the L.A. artist with a pair of one-of-a-kind kicks!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... Trezz wanted to pay homage to Hussle in the Clips' first playoff game this weekend ... so he hit up Marcus Rivero AKA Soles By Sir to whip up the special Js.

Rivero tells us the shoes are extra special ... and feature the names of people close to Nipsey -- his longtime GF Lauren London, his children ... as well as lyrics from some of Hussle's songs.

Trezz has been honoring Hussle since his tragic death late last month ... and even wore a custom Clippers jersey with Nipsey's name on the back.

Of course, other NBA stars like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook -- who dedicated his 20-20-20 game -- have honored Hussle.

We're told Trezz will wear them when L.A. takes on the Warriors.

#RIP

It could get REALLY awkward at the Rivers family dinner table during the holidays ... 'cause Austin and Doc are prepping to face off in the playoffs -- and the NBAer is lookin' to embarrass his dad!!

If the NBA postseason started right now, Houston and L.A. would be set up to play in the first round. But, that possibility didn't prevent the 2 from breaking bread together at Craig's on Wednesday.

TMZ Sports spoke with the Rivers boys about the possible matchup ... and Doc jokes he hopes Austin will take it easy on the Clips ... but he ain't holding his breath.

So, we had to ask Austin if the Rockets would let up on the Clips a little bit, given it's his papa on the other side ... and uh, nope.

"Absolutely not. Bragging rights for the household, man. He's done enough in his career ... it's my turn to win something."

Tristan Thompson suffered the consequences of hooking up with Jordyn Woods, and this time it was on the hardwood of L.A.

Tristan was at Staples Center Saturday night, where the Cleveland Cavaliers got creamed by the Clippers.

The video is amazing ... as Tristan stands at the free throw line during the 4th quarter, the crowd loudly chants, "Khloe, Khloe, Khloe!!!" They clearly got in his head, because he missed both shots.

The crowd booed him the entire game, and it worked. The Clippers trounced the Cavaliers 108 to 132.

Blake Griffin's dog is a violent menace -- so says an L.A. man who claims the Detroit Pistons star's pooch bit the crap out of him at a fancy restaurant ... and now he's suing.

The man behind the suit is Emmanuel Aframian -- who claims he was dining at A Votre Sante restaurant back in June 2018 when Griffin's "vicious" dog attacked him out of nowhere.

Aframian says he suffered real injuries from the attack which required expensive medical care -- and he thinks Griffin should have to cover all the bills ... plus other damages.

And, Aframian says Blake KNEW his dog had a history of biting random people -- so he should have taken proper steps to make sure he protected the public from his ferocious canine.

He's also going after the restaurant -- saying it had a duty to protect customers.

Aside from physical injuries, Aframian says he's also suffered -- and continues to suffer -- from "severe emotional harm."

FYI, Griffin signed a $171 MILLION contract extension in 2018.

Clippers stud Montrezl Harrell took policing loud-mouth fans into his own hands again Monday ... telling a courtside heckler to "shut the f*ck up, now!"

It all went down at the L.A.-Timberwolves game in Minnesota ... when Harrell's Clips were getting ribbed by some guy with floor seats at the free-throw line.

Montrezl wasn't in the mood to hear it ... and turned to the dude and screamed, "Be a fan, bro. Sit over there and be a fan. Shut the f*ck up, now!"

It ain't the first time Harrell's gone after a heckler ... back in December, he threatened to "smack the sh*t out" of some guy who was chirping at him on the way to the locker room.

Of course, Harrell's one of MANY who have had incidents with fans this season ... guys like Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin have hit back hard at smack-talking guys in the stands.

Doesn't seem the clapbacks are ending anytime soon ... but if anybody wants to learn how to calmly deal with the situation -- don't forget Julius Randle's advice!!!

Baron Davis says the Clippers franchise got BETTER by trading its best player Tuesday ... telling TMZ Sports shipping Tobias Harris to the Sixers sets L.A. up really well for the future.

"Everybody lives in the now. Nobody thinks about 2-3 years ahead where the salary cap is going to be."

Translation ... B-Diddy thinks moving on from Harris, and a couple other players, for essentially a boatload of draft picks will make the Clips better down the road.

"When you make the trade, you always looking for 3-4 years out and I think the Clippers got some incredible pieces."

The other important thing Davis notes? There's a bunch of stars set to be free agents this offseason -- including Kawhi Leonard -- and now the Clips have the cash to make a run at those guys.

TINSELTOWN TRASH TALK!!!

NBA star Danilo Gallinari says Anthony Davis to the Lakers doesn't scare him one bit ... telling TMZ Sports the Clippers are still the team to beat in L.A. -- Brow or no Brow.

We spoke with Gallo at LAX about the rumors of the Lake Show shipping out all their young ballers like Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball in exchange for A.D. ... and Gallinari doesn't bat an eye.

"We have a great team, a good thing going," Gallinari says.

We asked straight-up if the Clippers come away with the win against a Lakers team led by LeBron James and the Brow ... and DG doubled down.

"Of course."

Penny Marshall, the amazing actress, comedian and director, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Marshall died Monday night at her Hollywood Hills home. We've learned the cause of death was complications from diabetes.

Penny's first recurring role was playing Myrna Turner on "The Odd Couple," which was directed by her brother. She also appeared on "Happy Days" with Cindy Williams, and they became famous from their spin-off sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley." It became a monster hit in 1976 and ran for 8 seasons. Her character's moniker -- the "L" for Laverne on her sweater -- became one of the most famous logos in television.

Penny's accomplishments were only beginning. She directed Tom Hanks in "Big" in 1988. She was the first woman in history to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million.

Penny also directed "A League of Their Own," and "Awakenings" starring Robin Williams.

Penny's family says, "Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall. Penny was a tomboy who loved sports, doing puzzles of any kind, drinking milk and Pepsi together and being with her family."

The family notes Penny gave Mark Wahlberg his first acting job in "Renaissance Man."

"As an actress, her work on 'Laverne & Shirley' broke ground featuring blue-collar women entertaining America in prime time."

"She was a comedic natural with a photographic memory and an instinct for slapstick," her family added.

"We hope her life continues to inspire other to spend time with family, work hard and make of their dreams come true."

Penny was once married to Rob Reiner and once dated Art Garfunkel. She had an amazing lineage ... her brother was famed director Garry Marshall. She directed her daughter, Tracy Reiner, who played Betty in "A League of Their Own."

One of Penny's closest friends was Carrie Fisher. They had joint birthdays and Penny was godmother to Carrie's daughter, Billie Lourd.

Penny was a massive basketball fan and was a staple at Lakers and Clippers games for years.

Penny also famously directed the 1996 movie "The Preacher's Wife" starring Denzel Washington, and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in 1986 starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Her producer credits ain't too shabby either -- with movies like "Cinderella Man" and "Calendar Girl."

The family says a celebration of Penny's life will be held at a later date.

Henry Winkler tells TMZ he worked with Penny even before "Happy Days," and knew from the start she was a very funny woman and an incredible talent. He says her comedic partnership with Cindy was akin to Lucille Ball, but more modern.

Many more celebrity tributes have been pouring in, with Albert Brooks posting on social media -- "R.I.P. Penny Marshall. So talented and funny. A big loss."

Katie Couric added, "I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Penny Marshall. #RestInPeace."

"The Simpsons" producer Al Jean said, "Penny Marshall our first guest star and a great talent. You will be missed!"

Busy Philipps said, "Oh Penny Marshall. Rest In Peace and thank you for everything."

'Law & Order' star, Vincent D'Onofrio shared a memory -- "I was invited by Penny Marshall to her house one afternoon to talk about a film she was doing. She was so kind to me. She was so smart and funny. I will never forget that afternoon. My heart goes out to her family and friends."

Melissa Joan Hart -- "Heartbroken to learn that #PennyMarshall has passed away!! The Marshall family holds a special place in my heart for being so kind and creative and encouraging to other artists. But she was a special role model for female comedians like myself. #RIP #ThankYou."

12/4 10:40 AM PT -- The move cost Beverley a nice chunk of change ... 'cause he just got slapped with a $25,000 fine for "throwing the game ball at a spectator," the NBA announced Tuesday.

L.A. Clippers player Patrick Beverley fired a basketball at a courtside heckler Sunday night after the fan allegedly said, "F*ck your mother" ... the 2nd major incident between a player and a Mavs fan in 2 weeks.

The 30-year-old guard had reportedly been trading verbal jabs with Don Knobler -- a local celeb in Dallas -- throughout the Clippers' game on Sunday ... when things reached a boiling point in the 4th quarter.

So, what set Beverley off? Don't talk about his mother.

Beverley grabbed the ball and threw it at Knobler -- who calmly collected it after it struck him in the leg. Beverley was ejected.

After the game, Beverley told reporters Knobler said, "F*ck your mother" twice.

Knobler later admitted to talking about Patrick's mom but denies using the f-bomb in his trash talk.

Seems Mavs fans have really been getting to opponents lately -- it was just Nov. 17 when Kevin Durant cussed out a different courtside fan who had been running his mouth.

Durant was fined $25,000 for the incident. He later bashed the heckler as "corny and weak."

In both instances, Durant and Beverley alerted refs and security about the heckling fans ... but ultimately took matters into their own hands.

Sorry, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the new Clippers are better than you're 'Lob City' boys, that's according to ex-NBA Slam Dunk champion Dee Brown, who says the new team is a real force.

The Clips are currently #1 in the West (crazy right?) and when we got Brown -- the GM of the Clippers G-League team -- he told our guy it's no fluke because this team is built differently.

"Before we had the Lob City, now we got the grind team."

Of course, we had to ask which version of the Clippers Brown thinks are superior, and he's rolling with Tobias Harris, Patrick Beverly and Danilo Gallinari over the names mentioned above.

"It's better for us, it's the way our team's built."

Kanye West just added another big name to the list of people willing to help his social initiatives in Chicago ... ex-NBA star Quentin Richardson, who says he totally down to work with Mr. West.

Richardson is a Chi-Town native ... and lost his brother to gun violence there back in 2005. So, when we saw him at LAX we had to ask if he'd be down to work with Kanye to help turn things around.

"Anybody asking me to come back home and help out ... I'm always down."

West is making a new home in Chicago, and working with Windy City giants like Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and GLC to address inner city issues, and QR says West is doing the right thing.

J.J. Redick says the Clippers turned from a title contender to a teardown project ... 'cause of "DONALD TRUMP-LEVEL" childishness from the team's stars!!

Seriously.

Remember ... the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 were LEGIT -- on the doorstep of a championship every year with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan roaming the floor.

Redick was a part of most of those squads ... and he revealed earlier this week that the downfall of it all was because of a level of pettiness similar to what he's seen from the White House.

"It's weird to think what we had the potential to accomplish and what ultimately derailed that was pettiness," Redick said on the "Pardon My Take" podcast on Barstool Sports.

"Like Donald Trump-level pettiness."

Redick says the team had a passive aggressive attitude toward everything -- and that's why Redick's in Philly, Paul's in Houston, Jordan's in Dallas and Griffin's in Detroit these days.

"I don't know that we hate each other. I don't know that," Redick says. "It was just passive aggressive bullsh*t."