NBA

Hours after bailing on his New Year's Eve fight in Japan, Floyd Mayweather didn't go into hiding ... he went to the Lakers game!

Earlier in the day, Mayweather put out a bizarre statement saying he was duped into participating in a press conference for RIZIN 14 where he was billed as the main event in a fight against kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

Floyd was clowned by stars like 50 Cent and others who were baffled by Mayweather's claim that he didn't agree to participate in the fight he was promoting.

But, was he embarrassed? Apparently not, because there he was in the front row at Staples Center on Wednesday night ... along with a ton of HUGE stars like Miles Teller, Denzel Washington, Larsa Pippen, Todd Gurley, LaVar Ball and his high school basketball-playing son, LaMelo.

But, one fan deserves her own paragraph ... and that's Emily Ratajkowski, who proudly cheered on her "boo" LeBron James while looking absolutely incredible in the process.

Obviously, LBJ loves his wife ... but having a cheerleader like EmRata proves it's great to be the king.

Derrick Rose was feelin' himself Wednesday night -- 'cause after he dropped 31 on the Lakers at Staples Center, the NBA star grabbed his lady and hit one of the hottest clubs in town.

The 30-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves star -- along with Alaina Anderson -- strolled into Warwick on Sunset Blvd. like they were ready to celebrate.

The only problem ... the Timberwolves lost 114-110 and Rose missed a potential game-winning shot in the final minute of the 4th quarter.

So, why so happy?

Because for the most part, THE OLD D-ROSE IS BACK!!

Remember, dude put up a 50 burger on Halloween -- showing real flashes of his MVP season back in 2010-11.

The fact he had another big game against LeBron's Lakers -- including going 7 for 9 in 3-point range -- is a pretty big deal. He also had 5 assists.

LaMelo Ball's jump back to high school won't make any difference on his NBA future ... 'cause teams still won't take him seriously -- so says Marcin Gortat.

The youngest Ball brother announced Tuesday he's headed to Sire Prep Academy after stints overseas and in the JBA ... clearly with hopes that it will help his NBA draft stock.

But, when we got Gortat out at Via Alloro ... we asked the Clippers center if he thinks it'll work out for Melo ... and Marcin said, "I don't think so."

Interesting ... considering Melo's new coach and ex-NBAer Jermaine Jackson told TMZ Sports he thinks after this high school run, Ball can be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft.

But, Gortat clearly ain't buyin' into all that ... tellin' us he ain't even giving much thought to the Balls' latest plan.

"I don't know, man. That truly ain't my problem."

Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, Kyrie Irving, Jason Williams, Elton Brand ... Zion Williamson could be better than all these guys, because a Duke great says ZW could be the best Duke player EVER.

TMZ Sports spoke to Dahntay Jones, a former Duke All-American, and he says Zion's dominating season-opening performance against Kentucky last night was evidence of greatness to come.

Before we get to Dahntay's words ... DID YOU SEE ZION LAST NIGHT?! Dude was BEASTING, scoring 28 points (on 11-13 shooting) and grabbing 7 rebounds.

Jones says he's never seen anything like it anywhere -- even at Duke -- and, when it's all said and done, he's got everything it takes to jump over those other Blue Devil greats.

"I think he could be because of his natural ability. His ability is unique. It stands out."

So, what does Zion need to do to deliver on this All-World potential? Work, work, work, work, work.

"He just has to have a tremendous work ethic. If he has that, with the energy he brings to the game, he's definitely gonna be the best."

BTW -- if you didn't see the game last night (shame on you) we got Zion highlights below ... told you they were ridiculous.

With the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft ... the Cleveland Cavaliers select -- LaMelo Ball?!?!

Don't laugh ... Ball's new high school coach tells TMZ Sports that could EASILY happen now that Melo's announced he'll play at Spire Prep Academy this season.

"In my opinion, LaMelo Ball can be the No. 1 pick in a year or two going to the Cleveland Cavaliers," Jermaine Jackson says.

"Ain't no question about it."

Jermaine would know ... dude played several years in the Association from 1999 to 2006 and has been around the game in some capacity ever since -- and he says Melo is just THAT talented.

"He's known as that all over the world" J.J. says ... "He has a talent that, some of it just can't be taught."

Of course ... getting LaMelo to that point means Jermaine will have to navigate around LaVar Ball -- who's been known to meddle in Melo's teams.

But, Jermaine tells us he's off to a great start with the Big Baller ... and says he foresees no issues with the BBB founder.

"If LaVar's meddling in our team, we'll have conversations and we'll talk. And, I'm about what's right. It's not about who's right. It's about what's right."

Jermaine says Melo arrives in Ohio to join the team Friday and could see some run in the team's game in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Luke Walton is in no danger of losing his Lakers job and there shouldn't even be a conversation about it either ... so says Metta World Peace.

The ex-NBA superstar went to bat for the L.A. coach outside of Catch -- telling TMZ Sports Lakers Nation just needs to be patient.

"I think they're fine. I think it's just basketball. Yeah, it's basketball."

Translation ... it's 10 games into the season, give the man some time!!!

As for LeBron James' lukewarm start in Hollywood ... Metta says The King will be a MUCH better player in just a few weeks -- so chill out with all that talk too!

"You got a preseason form, a midseason form, then you have playoff form. And, he's in beginning-of-the-season form. He's about to be in midseason form soon."

Just days after filing for divorce, Larsa Pippen hit the Hollywood scene looking ... GOTTDAMN!!!!!

Decked out in a skintight, short, boob-revealing black dress ... the 44-year-old hit Hailey Baldwin's PrettyLittleThing launch party Monday night at Catch in West Hollywood.

As we previously reported, Larsa has called it quits with her longtime NBA husband, Scottie Pippen, after 21 years of marriage ... but both sides insist it's a peaceful split.

Our sources tell us ... both sides recognized the marriage wasn't working anymore and Larsa felt it was best to divorce so she can be open to meeting new people.

Larsa hasn't exactly been hiding out in her basement since the breakup -- she turnt up at Kendall Jenner's Halloween party last week in a super sexy costume.

The message here is clear ... Larsa's ready for her new chapter -- bombshell bachelorette.

Dennis Rodman's going to bat for Luke Walton -- telling TMZ Sports he thinks the Lakers coach is doing a "very, very good job" ... but he's being treated unfairly by the organization.

"I mean, it's a sad situation," Rodman said ... "I think Luke Walton's been doing a very, very good job with the team."

The Lakers are 4-6 and Magic Johnson essentially said Luke's job is safe (for now). So, what's so unfair about the situation? Here's what he said. See if you speak Rodman ...

"I think now, all of a sudden, with a 'higher power' coming to the Lakers, called LeBron, all of a sudden now things are changing. And, his hands are tied right now."

We think Dennis means Luke isn't really free to call the shots as long as LeBron is on the team. He's basically gotta do whatever Bron wants.

There's more ... Rodman also says Luke's gotta deal with some of the young guys on the team who thought they were gonna be stars in Los Angeles until LeBron came along.

"He's taking all that limelight away from these young kids now ... It's like, the kids gotta f**king grow up."

Dennis isn't just trying to dish out advice to the Lakers -- he strongly believes people battling addiction issues can learn a lot from his agent Darren Prince, whose new book details his own struggle.

Joakim Noah's model girlfriend Lais Ribeiro was so damn hot in her thong bikini in Malibu this weekend -- we barely noticed the beach was littered with a ton of HUGE stars!!

Seriously ... everyone from John McEnroe to Kenny Chesney and Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber were hanging out at Laird Hamilton's pad for a Sunday funday.

But, all eyes were on Joakim and Lais ... for obvious reasons.

Joakim was waived by the Knicks last month -- and while they lost to the Washington Wizards that day, Noah was having a much better time.

Lais is one of the top lingerie models in the world and will be walking in the Victoria's Secret fashion show later this week.

She famously rocked the $2 MILLION fantasy bra at the 2017 show in China -- which Joakim could easily afford, considering he's made more than $121 MILLION playing pro basketball.

Unclear how long Joakim and Lais have been an item -- but they were reportedly spotted out clubbing back in September and have grown closer ever since.

In fact, they spent Halloween together and even had themed costumes -- he was Aquaman and she was Storm.

The Lakers got smoked by the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night -- and LeBron James didn't exactly play great -- but he was still in the mood to party afterward.

TMZ Sports spotted James on the way into Diddy's 49th birthday party at Ysabel in West Hollywood ... where he celebrated with the likes of LLCOOLJ, Kourtney Kardashian, Usher, Mary J Blige and Kid Capri.

James pulled up with his wife, Savannah, in his $340k Rolls Royce but made it clear he didn't wanna talk basketball.

Here's why ... Bron and the Lakers lost to the Raptors 121 to 107 ... and LeBron only put up 18 points (he didn't even play the 4th quarter).

In the locker room, Bron told reporters it felt like the team got "hit in the mouth" and they didn't have a response.

Too bad, because there were a TON of big stars who came out to see the Lakers at Staples Center including Denzel Washington, Odell Beckham, Brian Ortega, Canelo Alvarez, Chris Bosh and more.

Lakers don't play again until Wednesday ... so, why not go out and party?

4:08 PM PT -- Larsa tells us, "It is with deep sadness that Scottie and I announce that we are legally separating. We have both tried very hard for a long time to make our marriage work and have ultimately come to the conclusion that it is best that we live separate lives."

She continues, "We have so many amazing memories together, remain best of friends and love each other very much. Our four children have always been our priority and for their sake we ask for as much privacy as possible for our family during this sensitive time."

2:59 PM PT -- According to the court docs, Larsa lists the date of separation as October 29. She's also asking for joint legal and physical custody of their 4 minor children.

She's also asking for spousal support. Unclear how much she's seeking but they live a very wealthy lifestyle so you know it ain't gonna be nominal.

Larsa and Scottie Pippen are getting divorced. We've learned Larsa filed legal docs Friday in L.A. County Superior Court to end their marriage.

They've had multiple issues over the years ... Scottie filed for divorce back in 2016 but they called it off last year. Just before he filed, cops came to their home twice for domestic disturbance calls, but no one was arrested. Larsa told cops Scottie scared her.

Sources connected to the couple tell us, there's no scandal this time around. The 2 have just grown apart over the last few years and decided to end their relationship. They're still committed to co-parenting their kids, but they don't want to be married anymore.

Larsa was hanging out at Kendall Jenner's Halloween party without Scottie -- and having a great time partying with people like Kim K and French Montana.

Larsa is best friends with Kim and the Kardashians and hangs out with them a lot.

When they filed in 2016, a rep for the couple told TMZ, "After careful consideration and 19 years together, Larsa and Scottie have each filed for dissolution of their marriage. Although they are no longer to be married, Larsa remains hopeful that she and Scottie will always do what is best for their 4 beautiful children and jointly raise them with love and respect."

The couple has 4 kids and married in 1997. The two moved from Miami to L.A. last year and now their son, Scotty Pippen Jr., has blossomed into one of the best high school basketball players around.

The move was also great for their 9-year-old daughter Sophia Pippen who got cast on "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors." She was eliminated last month but the exposure is clearly huge for her career if she wants to continue in showbiz.

Originally Published -- 1:54 PM PDT

What do you do after inking a huge, $52 MILLION contract?? You rap about being rich A.F.!!

Boston Celtics star Marcus Smart got PAID this past offseason ... and capped off the life-changing deal by joining his good friend, Trey Davis, and rapper iAmCompton in the booth.

And, it goes in.

“52 mil, that’s a new deal, 13 a year, n***a, look how I live. Penthouse suite, n***a, that’s a new feel," the 24-year-old raps.

Our sources tell us Marcus and Compton have been close friends for years ... and randomly decided to hit the studio in L.A. back in August.

People connected to the track tell us the song and video (which was randomly shot at TAO) was never supposed to see the light of day ... but enough people got wind of it and they decided to drop it to the public.

More trouble for ex-NBA player Sebastian Telfair -- this time, it's money problems ... 'cause the 2004 1st-round NBA Draft pick is now in the hole for more than $40k to American Express.

It's all in a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports ... which shows the 33-year-old former high school phenom never paid his $43,051.69 bill to the credit card company -- and now they're trying to collect.

Shocking considering Telfair -- a once promising player -- reportedly made more than $19 million during his 10-year career in the NBA.

It's just the latest in a string of problems for Telfair who was arrested in June 2017 after cops say he was illegally in possession of a bunch of guns, bullets and weed.

Telfair's case went in front of a judge this week -- and his attorney argued to have the charges dropped. But, the judge denied Telfair's request and the case will move forward.

He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Kawhi Leonard doesn't talk much, let alone sing -- but Tory Lanez doesn't seem to give a crap ... he wants the Raptors superstar on a track ASAP!!!!

Lanez is from Toronto -- and he's got so much love for what Kawhi's been able to do in his first few games in The 6 ... he's ready for a collab.

"That'd be great," Lanez tells TMZ Sports ... "We should do it. Just 'cause we both in Toronto and we both ballin', right?!?!"

Of course ... nobody knows if Leonard even has the capability to sing or rap (remember when he could barely laugh???) -- but Lanez appears to see that as a minor issue.

BTW ... for as much as Tory loves Kawhi these days -- he tells us the forward will NEVER be as good as Vince Carter ... and ya gotta hear why the rapper is convinced that's a fact.

And, if you want more from Tory, he was recently a guest on Van Lathan's 'The Red Pill' podcast where he talked about another hotly debated basketball topic ... his jump shot.

Steph Curry has teamed up with Viola Davis to make a documentary about the 2015 church shooting in Charleston in which 9 African Americans were killed.

The movie is called "Emanuel" -- named after the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina.

The victims had been participating in a bible study session when then 21-year-old white supremacist Dylann Roof walked in and opened fire.

According to Curry's production company, Unanimous Media, the documentary "features intimate interviews with survivors and family members who were left to grapple with this senseless act of terror."

The movie is being promoted as a "poignant story of justice and faith, love and hate, and the healing power of forgiveness."

Roof was captured and later pled guilty to state murder charges. A federal court sentenced him to death by lethal injection.

Remember, one of the most powerful moments from the whole ordeal was at Roof's first court appearance when family members of one of the victims told Roof they forgive him.

They're rivals on the court now ... but LeBron James HAD to take a second to congratulate Derrick Rose on his huge game Wednesday, saying, "So extremely HAPPY AND PROUD of you bro!!!"

D. Rose turned back the clock on Halloween ... droppin' a career-high 50 points in Minnesota's win over the Jazz -- and LBJ couldn't have been happier when he saw the news after his Lakers game.

"I seen it first hand how much you worked and dedicated on your body, craft, mind, etc etc just to play 1 game at a time!" LBJ wrote.

"Perseverance is a mutha and this is the ABSOLUTE perfect definition of it!! Salute Bro! #DRoseforPresident"

Of course ... Rose -- who was a role player on LeBron's Cavs squad last season -- was the league's MVP back in 2011, but injuries and inconsistent play led many to call his career dead years ago.

That's why NBA stars ... from Dwyane Wade to Stephen Curry to Vince Carter ... all took to social media to congratulate D. Rose on the epic night.

Even Baron Davis glowed about the 30-year-old when we got him out in L.A., saying, "He's been humbly doing it for a while so it's good to see him have that game that put him back in everybody's conversation."