NBA

Remember how STOKED Trae Young was to get his brand-new, $138,000 Audi back in July??

Well ... it took his new Atlanta Hawks teammates only a few months to kill his chill -- 'cause they JUST STUFFED IT WITH A BOATLOAD OF POPCORN!!!

Jeremy Lin documented it all on social media ... showing the Atlanta rookie's new custom Audi R8 packed to the brim with the buttery stuff.

Trae wasn't the only victim Friday ... fellow rookie Omari Spellman had his (far less expensive) whip filled with the kernels too!!

At least it wasn't your average stale popcorn ... Lin performed a taste test and said, "That's high-level popcorn!"

The rooks seemed to take it in stride ... which is good news for the Hawks vets -- 'cause these pranks don't always go over so smoothly.

Kenyon Martin once threatened to kick the crap outta whoever stuffed his ride with popcorn in 2010 ... and Jaylen Brown told us just a few months ago he's STILL out for revenge on Amir Johnson for the prank.

"We got the guy who can make the blind see and the cripples walk in LaMelo Ball"

Yeah, that's a REAL quote from LaMelo Ball's new high school basketball coach, Jermaine Jackson -- who says he's so excited about the young player, it's like Magic Johnson all over again.

LaMelo, along with Jackson and LaVar Ball, just hosted a media event at the Spire Academy in Ohio where the 17-year-old will play this season ... and they're HYPED UP!

"Like Magic Johnson said in the '80s, don’t look down because you might miss something," Jackson said about Ball ... "It’s showtime baby!"

LaVar added this message to the Ohio media -- "Since LeBron left, I brought you a Ball boy."

Don't worry, LaMelo has a plan after he finishes his senior year -- he wants to play college ball.

In fact, Ball told the media he's already got some schools in mind -- including North Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State ... according to WKYC's Ben Axelrod.

"We got the guy who can make the blind see and the cripples walk in LaMelo Ball"

LaVar also told the media he thinks LaMelo is the most famous high school basketball player of all time -- even more famous than Bron was -- because James was virtually unknown overseas.

Ball is expected to make his Ohio high school debut in the next few days.

LaMelo Ball is already getting treated like a king in Ohio ... 'cause the kid got a LeBron James-style billboard to welcome the high school baller to his new home!!

ICYMI -- the youngest Ball bro announced his return to prep hoops earlier this week ... enrolling in elite SPIRE Academy private school in Geneva for his senior year.

The billboard -- paid for by Overtime -- popped up just minutes from Quicken Loans Arena on I-90, by West 3rd Street Thursday night ... so a LOT of people are gonna see it.

It's a play off the MASSIVE Bron poster that used to hang across from the Q. Of course, that's been replaced by the hideous Guardian of Traffic banner.

The hype is real for the former No. 7 recruit in the Class of 2019 ... and we'll see if he can live up to it as he's scheduled to suit up for SPIRE next week.

One of Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat teammates is already angling to be the godfather of the new baby -- it's Udonis Haslem ... and he's ready to kick some ass!!

As we previously reported, D-Wade and Gabrielle Union welcomed a brand new baby girl earlier this week via surrogate -- after trying to get pregnant themselves for several years.

The couple says the baby is nothing short of a "miracle" -- and they're super excited about it!

So is Haslem, who's played 15 seasons with Wade. In fact, Haslem was on the Heat when Wade was drafted back in 2003.

UH clearly thinks he's got a good shot at being named "godfather" ...

"Congratulations to my family @dwyanewade and @itsgabrielleu on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Got my ass kicking boots on and ready to be the best godfather ever my boy!!!"

The problem for UH ... Dwyane is pretty close with LeBron James and Chris Bosh -- so he could have some competition!

In fact, Chris' wife, Adrienne Bosh, also chimed in ...

"I’m sooooo happy for the both of you!!! I have seen this moment in my mind and heart a million times... She will always be cherished and loved and celebrated Just as the love that you and @DwyaneWade share!"

The Miami Heat also offered congrats to the couple -- noting, "We have something on the way for your ViceViceBaby!"

Kristaps Porzingis didn't seem to have a problem walking around New York on Thursday night -- on an evening where he set out to prove he's further along in his recovery than people think.

The Knicks star underwent surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee back in February -- but coach David Fizdale recently said KP still isn't to the point where he can sprint.

Fizdale did acknowledge KP was "working his butt off," but just hasn't gotten back to full speed yet.

We spotted 23-year-old Porzingis out at the Adidas store in NYC -- and he was cruising around just fine ... smiling and talking with friends. No apparent issues with the leg.

A short time later, he posted photos showing himself SPRINTING on a track -- an apparent response to Fizdale.

To his credit, Fizdale did say ... "He's grinding, trying to get it right. It's just one of those injuries we're going to take our time with, make sure it's right."

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union just had their first kid together -- a brand new baby girl -- after using a surrogate, the couple just revealed.

"We are sleepless and delirious but so excited to share that, our miracle baby, arrived last night (11/7) via surrogate," the NBA star announced.

"Welcome to the party sweet girl!"

The couple had been trying to have a kid for years but Union has struggled with infertility, a battle she's talked about publicly.

In fact, 46-year-old Union has said she suffered 8 or 9 miscarriages.

She even addressed the topic in her book, 'We're Going to Need More Wine' -- saying, "For 3 years, my body has been a prisoner of trying to get pregnant."

But the good news ... they found a surrogate who carried the child for them -- and now they've got the baby they've been dreaming about!

Dwyane has 3 kids from other relationships but this is his first child with Gabrielle.

Matt Barnes scored a big win in court today against his ex-wife Gloria Govan -- the court awarded him sole physical and legal custody of their twin 10-year-old boys ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The two have been at war for years -- and today, Matt obtained an 18-month restraining order against Gloria claiming she's a physical danger to him.

The restraining order was granted through May 2020 -- but does not extend to the kids because the judge doesn't believe Gloria poses a danger to them.

During Thursday's hearing, the judge ruled Gloria will get regular visitation -- including every other weekend from Friday until Monday morning. She is also allowed to have dinner with the kids every Wednesday evening.

The two are still working out the custody arrangements for the holidays including Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years.

As part of Thursday's hearing, the judge also ordered Govan to complete 26 sessions of anger management and 10 parenting classes.

Matt was accompanied in court by his attorney Samantha Spector.

TMZ previously reported, Gloria was arrested the Friday before Labor Day after Matt claimed she put the lives of their twin boys at risk by allegedly flying into a rage in her car, blocking Matt and the kids from driving away from their school.

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.