Los Angeles Lakers

Scottie Pippen says he's a fan of Luke Walton -- but tells TMZ Sports, if his old pal, Phil Jackson, was coaching the Lakers, they'd be well on their way to an NBA title already.

Look, this definitely ain't an aggressive shot at Luke -- but, Pippen kept it 100 telling us, "That's all he [Phil Jackson] do is win."

Scottie was braving the frozen tundra of Bev Hills (it was 58 degrees) on Monday when we asked about the situation with the Lakers ... currently in 10th place in the Western Conference.

Pippen told us he'd love to see 73-year-old Phil come out of retirement for another crack at a Larry O'Brien Trophy ... and he's confident LeBron, Lonzo and Kuzma could get the job done.

Scottie won 6 NBA rings under Jackson during his run with the Chicago Bulls. Phil went on to win 5 more with the L.A. Lakers.

Of course, there are reports of turmoil in Laker Nation -- with members of LeBron's camp allegedly pushing for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to replace Luke ASAP.

We spoke with Luke on Sunday -- and he denied friction with LeBron, telling TMZ Sports, "LeBron and I get along just fine."

So, what happens now? Luke says he's confident he can right the ship and lead the Lakers to the playoffs.

Lakers' head coach Luke Walton says he doesn't know ANYTHING about reports of friction between him and LeBron James ... telling TMZ Sports, "LeBron and I get along just fine."

The 38-year-old head coach had just touched down at LAX where he let us ask some Lakers questions -- and couldn't have been nicer about it.

On how the season is going so far, Luke told us he thinks it's "good" but points out how injuries to guys like LeBron, Lonzo and others have had an impact.

Still, Luke is optimistic -- telling us, "We'll be alright."

In fact, Walton told us he still thinks the 28-29 Lakers (currently in 10th place in the West) could make the playoffs ... saying, "We have some work to do, but we can do it."

ESPN's Jackie MacMullan recently reported about tension in the Lakers locker room between players and the head coach ... saying in late January, "It's clear to me ... that LeBron's camp would prefer a coaching change. They're not too subtle about that."

Luke cracks a smile when we asked about those reports -- probably because there's more to the story he's just not ready to say publicly yet.

Louisiana legend James Carville says if Anthony Davis doesn't wanna be in New Orleans he can GET LOST because the Pelicans deserve a player that actually WANTS to play for them.

He also cannot stop talking about the surging LSU Tigers basketball team.

Carville is a Louisiana sports superfan, so when we got him out we had to ask about the Bayou state's latest pro sports drama ... AD trying to make his way to L.A.

That's when James gave it to Davis ... saying if the beauty and majesty of magnolias, swamps, amazing food, and rich culture aren't good enough for the superstar, he can kick rocks.

"If he wants to go, go. I don't want to have somebody who doesn't wanna be here, but I want to get something for him."

JC wasn't finished talking basketball ... and decked out in all LSU gear asked our camera guy if he saw that LSU had beaten Kentucky in Kentucky ... a rare feat for the Tigers ... James was downright giddy.

Lakers super fan Ice Cube says Scottie Pippen is WRONG when he says LeBron James doesn't have the clutch gene ... but RIGHT when he says LBJ is no Michael Jordan ... or Kobe Bryant.

Pippen took some shots at LeBron recently ... actually, he pretty much destroyed the guy on "ESPN First Take," saying the King turns into a peasant during crunch time in games.

We got Ice Cube at LAX and asked the lifelong NBA fan if there's any truth to Scottie's scathing critique, and the West Coast legend said no ... and yes.

"I think he does have the clutch gene, but not too many people in the world got the Kobe and Jordan gene."

So ... LeBron is clutch, just not Kobe or Jordan clutch. So, he's not like a high-priced Gucci clutch bag (no disrespect to T.I.) he's more like a Coach clutch bag (no disrespect to Coach).

Makes sense ... Cube went on to say LeBron shouldn't sweat Scottie's opinion, because he's got 3 rings and it doesn't matter, but we think Cube forgot one thing.

Forget candy, jewelry and teddy bears ... Cookie Johnson says Magic's secret to Valentine's Day is simple -- FLOWERS AND DINNER!!!

"He goes more out for birthdays and things like that," Magic's wife tells TMZ Sports.

Of course, Magic doesn't usually have the chance to ball out on Feb. 14 ... Cookie says the couple is almost ALWAYS on the road for the day at the NBA's All-Star festivities.

Things don't appear to be changing this year ... Cookie was actually on her way to the big event when we got her at LAX on Wednesday morning.

But, it seems Magic's V-Day plans are working all right for the couple ... Cookie and the Lakers GM have been together for decades -- and she's just fine with MJ's annual game plan.

"We do a nice dinner, something like that."

Ya hear that??? It ain't too late to return that necklace!!!

Flea HATES the Boston Celtics with the red, hot, fiery passion of 1,000 suns -- and when we saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers star at LAX ... HE WENT NUCLEAR on Beantown!!!

Oh, we should mention he's a die-hard Lakers fan ... if you couldn't tell by his throwback Magic Johnson shirt.

"I just think the Boston Celtics SUCK ASS," Flea proclaimed, "They're like the Satanic bottom of the basketball world! They are the shadow side."

It didn't stop there ... Flea reached way back into the rivalry to throw even more shade at the Celtics.

"Magic Johnson owned Larry Bird in college, owned him in the pros ... more championships, smoked him in college -- it's a simple fact."

We asked Flea if he'd like to see a Lakers vs. Celtics series in the NBA Finals -- and he went even HARDER!

"That would be thrilling. I'd like to see Lonzo dunk right on Jason Tatum's head!"

So, how do people in Boston feel about that? We got Mark Wahlberg out the other day, and he's already counting on the Celtics and the Boston Bruins to make it a clean 4-team championship sweep this year.

Marshmello. Skrillex. Dillon Francis. DJ DIESEL?!

The 7-foot-1 Hall of Famer could be the next big (literally) DJ in the music industry ... so says Diplo, who tells TMZ Sports, Shaquille O'Neal has what it takes to be a legit force in EDM.

"He's great, Shaq Diesel, man. He's killin' it right now. Very heavy music," Diplo says.

The Major Lazer contributor says he's been working with the NBA legend on a few "great records" ... and says Shaq's already won half the battle.

"Half of a DJ's life is the way they brand themselves ... and he has that down pat."

BTW -- Shaq's already well on his way after landing a gig at TomorrowWorld in 2015 ... and he's been touring ever since.

Chill out Lakers fans ... no matter what came out of LaVar Ball's mouth, he ain't wreckin' your season ... so says Kenny Smith.

Remember ... LaVar said Luke Walton was the worst coach Zo's ever had ... and that their relationship was beyond repair.

So, what's that mean for the Lake show? Absolutely nothing, according to The Jet.

"It's not about dads and uncles and cousins in the NBA. It's not like high school," Smith told us ... "The relationship is only your agent and player. As long as the agent and the player doesn't say anything, you're fine."

In other words, LaVar can say whatever the hell he wants in the media ... and it won't mean a damn thing for the Lakers on the court.

In fact, Kenny's guaranteeing they make the playoffs.

LaVar Ball just issued a stern warning to Magic Johnson and the Lakers' brass ... saying if they trade Lonzo -- they will NEVER win another championship.

And he clarified ... LeBron James NEEDS Lonzo if he wants another ring. Period.

It all went down on FS1's 'Undisputed' just moments ago ... when the Big Baller guaranteed L.A. will never have another title parade if Zo is shipped off.

"I told the Lakers a long time ago, 'If you trade my son, it'll be the worst thing you ever did.' And I guarantee, if they trade my son, they will NEVER get a championship."

Lonzo, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac are all reportedly part of a trade package the Lakers have offered the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis.

LaVar says the trade package is a mistake -- saying, the Lakers are trying to become a "one hitter quitter" to try to get a ring and it's a total mistake.

Ball warned the Lakers and LeBron James ... if you ship out Lonzo, you lose your best chance at a title.

In fact, the BBB honcho was so pissed about hearing the latest reports -- he went on an Arizona radio show this week and RIPPED Luke Walton, calling him, "the worst coach ever for Lonzo."

Derek Fisher is going to bat for his boy, Luke Walton -- telling TMZ Sports he's not the loser LaVar Ball says he is.

Lonzo's dad went on a tear against the Lakers coach on Tuesday saying Luke is to blame for Lonzo's uncertain future with the Lakers.

Remember, LaVar had previously said Lonzo was going to make an immediate impact in the NBA -- and he and LeBron would lead the Lakers to a championship, ASAP.

But now that Lonzo's on the trading block, LaVar is pissed and he's been bashing Luke Walton on the radio.

So, when we saw former Lakers star Derek Fisher -- who's now the head coach of the L.A. Sparks -- we asked if LaVar had a point.

"I'm not a member of the Ball family. Luke Walton is a friend," Fish said ... "What I do know is Luke is a great person and he's a great basketball coach."

There's a little buzz in L.A. that the Lakers could be looking for their next head coach -- but publicly, management is sticking behind Walton.

The awkward thing for LaVar Ball ... there's a real chance the Anthony Davis trade plans could fall through and Lonzo remains with the Lakers for the rest of the season.

LaVar Ball just went scorched earth on Luke Walton ... saying the Lakers head man gave Lonzo Ball a "losing attitude" and was "the worst coach ever" for his son.

The Big Baller appeared on the "Doug & Wolf" show in Arizona on Tuesday morning ... and ripped Walton to shreds.

"The Lakers gave my boy that losing attitude. If you look at my boys, the one thing they do do is win … my boys don’t lose too much."

"When he got to the Lakers -- Luke Walton was the worst coach ever for Lonzo because he had a losing mentality. They’ve been losing for three years. That’s how you develop losing.”

LaVar's comments came just a day after he told ESPN if Lonzo is indeed traded -- he wants the point guard to be dealt to the Phoenix Suns ... not the New Orleans Pelicans -- as has been rumored.

Of course, Lonzo's been one of the key pieces New Orleans appears to be seeking in a trade for superstar Anthony Davis.

Clearly, LaVar's upset about all the talk ... and he issued yet another warning to Lakers brass when it comes to trading Lonzo.

"Like I told them before, if you trade my son, it’ll be the worst thing you ever did for your franchise, I guarantee it.”

The 14k gold and diamond Lakers championship rings Kobe Bryant purchased for his parents could now be YOURS -- because the jewelry is hitting the auction block ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to Goldin Auctions, Kobe bought two identical, blinged out rings for his parents to commemorate his first NBA championship with the Lakers following the 1999, 2000 season.

The rings -- which contain 40 diamonds each -- are the same rings the players got after beating the Indiana Pacers. They're legit and they're awesome.

The rings have an interesting backstory ... Kobe's mom, Pamela Bryant, famously tried to sell the rings, along with a bunch of other Kobe memorabilia back in the day ... and Kobe sued to try and stop the sale.

Kobe ultimately agreed to allow his parents to sell 6 items -- including the rings -- and, in 2013, they sold to a private collector (a big Lakers fan) for a total of $280,000.

Now, that collector is ready to part ways ... and went back to Goldin Auctions to make the sale.

The auction is officially underway -- and starting bids are $35,000 for Joe "Jellybean" Bryant's ring and $20,000 for Pamela Bryant's ring. They're expected to fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Kobe and the Lakers won the series 4 games to 2. Shaquille O'Neal was named Finals MVP.

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."

Halsey has a message for Magic Johnson -- quit messin' around and figure out a way to sign Anthony Davis already!!!

The superstar singer was one of the MANY famous faces in the crowd as the Lakers took on the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center in L.A. on Tuesday night ... and it was clear she's no fair-weather fan.

The video of Halsey is cool -- not only does she talk basketball, she signs autographs and takes pics with her fans after the game. Great stuff.

As for a potential Davis signing, it's possible -- but it would require the Lakers to give up almost all of their young stars ... Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and others. They might also have to give up some draft picks.

It seems L.A. is where Davis wants to end up -- in fact, he was just fined $50,000 this week for "tampering" because NBA officials believe he broke league rules by demanding a trade.

Oh, and ... A.D. and LeBron have the same agent. Just sayin' ...

Should be interesting to see how this plays out.

Meanwhile, check out all the superstars at the game -- the Kardashians were there supporting Kendall's boyfriend, Ben Simmons.

Leo DiCaprio was also on hand ... same with Kevin Hart, Rami Malek, Diplo, Flea and Ashton Kutcher.

Move over Ari Emanuel (he's a big agent), LeBron James is coming for your job ... 'cause now Hollywood star Octavia Spencer is crediting Bron with getting her equal pay on a new Netflix series.

Spencer -- an Academy Award-winning actress -- worked with LeBron on a biopic about Madam C.J. Walker (America's first black self-made millionaire) and spoke at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association panel at Sundance about how instrumental James was in helping her get fair pay.

"I have to say, when I was negotiating my deal for ‘Madam C.J.,’ LeBron James had to intervene."

Spencer has been incredibly vocal in the fight for equal pay for women in Hollywood, banding together with huge actresses like Jessica Chastain to demand their dollars, but Octavia told the press in Park City it has to be a group effort.

"We need all our male counterparts to be in the fight with us.”

Manny went for the handshake.

Floyd went for the dap.

The result was ... well, it was a mess.

Once again, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao came face-to-face at the Lakers game -- in what seems to be more shameless promotion for an upcoming rematch.

Floyd was sitting on the court at Staples Center in L.A. to watch the Lakers take on the Warriors (they lost) ... when Manny came up from behind to say "What's up."

The handshake greeting was a disaster -- but they got the point across.

The big problem ... Manny reportedly suffered an eye injury during his victory over Adrien Broner this past weekend -- which could throw a huge wrench in the rematch plans.

According to reports, Manny feared he suffered a detached retina in his left eye. Later, his manager said the eye was "fine" and he'll be okay.

Manny was wearing shades at the game -- so you can't see if the eye looks damaged on the surface.

As we previously reported, Manny and Floyd have been teasing a rematch for months ... and with both fighters looking pretty solid in their last fights, it seems a deal could be close.

The two originally fought back in 2015 -- with Floyd winning a unanimous decision in a pretty boring fight.

We recently spoke with Manny who told us he had a bad shoulder at the time -- and now that he's fully healed, he's confident he would whoop that ass.

No deal has been made at this point -- but we're guessing it's just a matter of time ... considering the money these guys could rake in.

There were other big stars at the Lakers game too -- including Halsey, Alexis Ren, Mahershala Ali, Jack Nicholson and LeBron James ... who was a spectator Monday night due to injury.

Get well soon!