NBA

Here's Shaquille O'Neal proving he's still a THREAT near the rim -- throwing down a monster dunk ... at 46 years old!!!

The NBA legend was on the set of "NBA TV" when the guys on the show challenged the Big Fella to prove he's still got enough juice in his legs to slam it home.

Shaq -- dressed in jeans, a polo shirt and tennis shoes -- grabbed the ball and did his thing ... and punctuated the jam by hanging from the rim!!

The Brooklyn Nets are completely unfazed by the lawsuit over their Notorious B.I.G.-themed jerseys ... 'cause the team's rockin' the threads on Friday, despite Coogi taking legal action.

We broke the story ... Biggie's favorite sweater brand claims no one from the team or the NBA or Nike ever got permission to use the iconic pattern ... and called for the league to stop selling the "Brooklyn Camo" jerseys.

The Nets don't seem to care one bit ... announcing the team will be honoring the rap legend in the special jerseys when they take the court Friday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Coogi claims they have copyrights for their most famous designs -- called "Pea Soup" and "Ricotta" -- and they feel the Nets straight swiped their swag.

A rep for the NBA told the New York Times, “There is no merit whatsoever to their claims.”

Of course, jersey selections can be made months in advance -- especially for certain tribute nights ... but the decision to stick with the Biggie alternates proves the Nets ain't sweatin' a legal battle with Coogi.

Ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas says Khloe Kardashian has no one to blame but herself -- and her vagina -- for Tristan Thompson's cheating.

Arenas went on a pretty vulgar tirade on social media (captured by Baller Alert) explaining in graphic detail why he thinks KK's skills in the bedroom are to blame for Thompson stepping out on her.

The former All-Star then makes a LeBron comparison -- shaming Khloe because Tristan hooked up with 21-year-old Jordyn Woods ... and not a more "experienced" woman.

"He didn't even cheat on u with a (lebron type of talent #veteran)," Arenas said ... "He went for a trey young, exciting BUT no playoff experience."

Giannis Antetokounmpo says if he was in Zion Williamson's shoes ... he would NOT sit out the rest of the NCAA season -- telling TMZ Sports, "I love basketball too much."

Don't get it twisted ... 24-year-old Giannis isn't throwing shade and says he respects whatever decision Zion makes -- but said he knows what path he would choose.

Zion -- the obvious No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft -- scared the hell out of everyone when he suffered a knee injury during the Duke vs. North Carolina game earlier this month.

He hasn't been back on the court since, and many are wondering if he'll ever suit up for the Blue Devils again ... considering he's got MILLIONS of dollars waiting for him in the NBA.

Giannis says Zion has to do what's best for him.

There's more ... since Giannis was on the court during Ja Rule's doomed halftime performance at the Bucks vs. Timberwolves game on Saturday, we had to ask about the new JA RULE CURSE!!!

Remember, the T-Wolves clowned the disgraced Fyre Festival honcho after his performance was marred by technical issues ... so Ja cursed the team for 30 YEARS!!!

But, Giannis actually has Ja's back -- saying it wasn't the rapper's fault things went south that night, and telling TMZ Sports he still loves the artist.

There's more ... we also asked Giannis if he's paying attention to all the talk about him being in the running for MVP this season -- and of course, the guy couldn't have been more humble.

Giannis is having a monster season -- averaging 27 points a game with 12.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists. BEAST!!!

LeBron James thinks Anthony Davis is being done dirty in the media -- and he seems to be pointing the finger at the people who run the New Orleans Pelicans.

Bron had Davis as a guest on his HBO series, "The Shop" -- where the guys, along with stars like Antonio Brown, discussed real issues in their lives.

The topic turned to "public relations" when Antonio suggested Steelers ownership -- or at least, powerful members of the organization -- were trying to wrongly paint him as a "distraction" in the media over the past few weeks.

"That's the narrative they try to create once you doing your own thing," Brown said on the show ... "It's like, this guy's a distraction. He's this type of guy. All I've ever been is a guy who came from Central Michigan, 6th round, who worked his ass off."

LeBron made a comment essentially agreeing with Brown's opinion -- and then compared AB's situation to Anthony Davis.

Remember, Davis publicly requested a trade in January -- and since he and Bron share the same agent -- a lot of people thought they had teamed up to force the Pelicans to move AD to the Lakers.

During the negotiations, there were negative stories that came out about Davis -- and LeBron sure seems to be suggesting the hit pieces were orchestrated by the Pelicans.

"7 years in the league, nobody's ever said anything negative about AD but you can tell when the narrative changed when you don't do what they want you to do."

Davis is now playing out the season with the Pelicans -- and is hoping to be traded at the end of the season.

Jordyn Woods has changed her story ... we're told she now says she wasn't drunk when she made out with Tristan Thompson and she's really sorry for what she did ... and we've learned that's what she told Jada Pinkett Smith on "Red Table Talk."

Sources with knowledge of the conversation tell TMZ ... Woods made no excuses for her actions, which sent the Kardashians into outer space. She admits she was totally lucid during the party a week ago Sunday.

As we reported, Jordyn felt her life was destroyed by the fallout -- from being thrown out of Kylie's guesthouse to being blackballed in future Kardashian business ventures -- but we're told after she let it all out on Jada's Facebook show, she felt a lot better about her future.

TMZ broke the story ... Jordyn chose to tell her story to Jada because of her deep ties to the Smith family. She especially felt comfortable with Jada, whom Jordyn believes is extremely nonjudgmental.

As we previously reported -- our sources say Jordyn initially told friends she was drunk when she hooked up with Tristan, but we're told her version to Jada is without excuses.

"Red Table Talk" drops Friday.

8:00 AM PT -- Tristan might not have been the lucky guy hooking up with the young lady. Witnesses in Carbone tell us he was dining with at least 3 other people -- the woman, his teammate Jordan Clarkson and another (not famous) guy.

We're told she arrived with Jordan and, at least, appeared to be his date.

Tristan Thompson isn't sulking over the war being waged in L.A. after he hooked up with Jordyn Woods ... because he's back in the game, with another hot chick.

Tristan had dinner Wednesday night in NYC at Carbone, and here's where we connect the dots. Check out his Instagram story ... you see his delicious pasta -- Carbone is an awesome Italian restaurant -- and you see in the background the hand of a woman holding a glass. She's sitting at the same table as Tristan, right across from him.

Now, check out the woman who left the restaurant alone ... specifically, check out her nail color. MATCH!

BTW ... we're told Tristan arrived at the restaurant with one of his teammates, and 5 minutes later she was waiting outside the restaurant. We're told the woman showed up and Tristan came out and brought her inside. We're told they were at the table for hours.

We're told Tristan left a few minutes later, sprinting from the kitchen door into a waiting Uber.

Tristan is far, far away from the drama he triggered nearly 2 weeks ago, after making out with Jordyn at a house party. Khloe kicked him to the curb, and the Kardashians are at war with Jordyn.

Earlier in the day ... Tristan was out and about with a hoodie emblazoned with the words, "The Eagle Soars Alone." 'Nuff said.

Notorious B.I.G.'s favorite sweater brand, Coogi -- as in, "Every cutie with a booty bought a Coogi" -- says the Brooklyn Nets stole their iconic fashion pattern ... and now they're suing the team.

Coogi is pissed off about a special jersey the Nets created called "Brooklyn Camo" -- which players wore during a Nov. 17, 2018 game as a tribute to Brooklyn's own Biggie Smalls, who loved Coogi sweaters.

The problem, according to Coogi, no one from the team or the NBA or Nike or New Era or Russell Brands ever got permission to use the iconic Coogi pattern ... so now, Coogi is suing all of 'em!

Coogi claims they have copyrights for their most famous designs -- called "Pea Soup" and "Ricotta" -- and they feel the Nets straight swiped their swag.

Coogi says the Nets should have known better -- considering the brand is often worn by huge stars like Conor McGregor, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Floyd Mayweather and more.

Plus, Biggie -- the guy the Nets were trying to honor -- shouted out the brand in two of his biggest hits ... 1994's "Big Poppa" and 1996's "Hypnotize."

Coogi is not only suing for damages ... they also want everyone involved to stop selling the "Brooklyn Camo" jerseys and other sportswear.

In the meantime, here's Biggie ... enjoy!

5:29 PM PT -- Khloe was out in Los Angeles Wednesday, doing some retail therapy and hitting up a spa -- but when asked about the situation with Jordyn and Tristan -- she kept quiet.

Tristan Thompson was a man of no words Wednesday ... mum on his hookup with Jordyn Woods that triggered a war that is now being waged by the Kardashians.

Thompson was in NYC, arriving at his team hotel where the Cleveland Cavaliers are getting ready to play the Knicks. It's the first time we've seen him since TMZ broke the story ... Khloe split with him since he was caught making out with Jordyn at a house party on Valentine's Day weekend.

He walked head down and with purpose ... and, unsurprisingly, kept it zipped.

You'll remember ... the last time the Cavs were in NYC to play The Knicks back in April -- just days before Khloe gave birth to True -- Thompson was spotted bringing a woman back to his hotel room.

Jordyn Woods sat down for Jada Pinkett Smith's "Red Table Talk" on Tuesday, but so far everyone's mum on what she said. The episode will run Friday, and the Kardashians will be watching, along with their lawyers ... because Jordyn signed an NDA.

Originally Published -- 1:55 PM PST

Daniel Cormier better watch out ... there's a new guy comin' for the UFC heavyweight belt -- ex-NBA player Royce White!!

The 6'8", 260-pounder announced he's now transitioning to MMA and even has a full-time coach in Minnesota.

In his new book "MMA x NBA," the 27-year-old says he's dead serious about becoming a pro fighter -- and he's got some BIG goals.

“I’m coming for the UFC Heavyweight Crown,” RW told The Last Renaissance.

He's even hooked up with famed MMA coach Greg Nelson -- who has trained UFC stars like Brock Lesnar.

It's an interesting move for White who's been making headlines for years -- both for his athletic talent and his fight with the NBA and Houston Rockets over the way they deal with mental health issues.

White's story is pretty well-known ... after dominating at Iowa State, he was selected 16th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft ... but didn't make his NBA debut until 2014 due to a dispute with the Houston Rockets over his mental health condition.

White was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in grade school -- he's openly talked about how the condition affects many facets of his life, especially flying.

Royce was drafted by the Rockets and immediately became openly outspoken for mental health awareness in the NBA, a stance he believes strained his relationship with league officials.

After a short stint with the Sacramento Kings, White picked up his basketball career in the National Basketball League of Canada, where he was league MVP in 2017.

But, if White is serious about getting a UFC contract, it seems he's leaving basketball for good ... with UFC honcho Dana White having talked about the insane commitment it takes to fight with the best in the world.

Ex-NBA player Mike Bibby has been relieved of his duties as head basketball coach at Shadow Mountain High School in Arizona while officials investigate allegations of sexual assault.

As we previously reported, the 40-year-old has been accused of forcefully rubbing his penis against a female teacher on school grounds during a 2017 incident.

The teacher claims Bibby grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his car. She also claimed his breath reeked of alcohol and he made sexually charged comments.

The school and police launched investigations into the matter -- and now, a rep for the Paradise Valley Unified School District says Bibby will NOT coach the basketball team while those are ongoing.

"He is no longer eligible to volunteer as our coach pending the outcome of the investigations," a school district spokesperson said.

Bibby has been wildly successful as the coach at Shadow Mountain -- leading the varsity boys team to 5 state titles in 6 seasons.

As for the criminal investigation, a rep for the Phoenix Police Dept says, "As of now, the investigation is ongoing and no suspect has been named, nor any charges recommended."

Jordyn Woods could find herself in some legal hot water if she spills too much Kardashian tea on Jada Pinkett Smith's show ... because we've learned she signed a contract with the famous fam promising to muzzle herself.

Sources familiar with the non-disclosure agreement tell TMZ ... Woods -- who's been on 'KUWTK' for years -- signed to an NDA, which prohibits her from disclosing details about the lives of Kris, Kim, Khloe and the rest of the brood.

Woods posted a video Tuesday teasing her Friday appearance on Jada's "Red Table Talk." The show was shot late Tuesday morning. We don't know what was said and no one's talking. However, one source familiar with the conversation tells us Jada's intention was "to create a healing between Jordyn and Khloe." We're told Jada wanted to give Jordyn a platform to tell her story.

Nevertheless ... we're told the Kardashians are pissed she's now trying to spin her story without first apologizing to them.

One of the hottest rappers in the game named a song after Derek Fisher ... and you know who's stoked about that??

DEREK FISHER ... 's kids, 'cause the ex-Lakers star says Gunna's tribute gave him MAJOR cool points with the youngins in his house.

If you haven't heard about the Young Thug signee, Gunna is one of the biggest names in the industry right now ... and his collab mixtape with Lil Baby, "Drip Harder," is widely considered one of the top projects of 2018.

Gunna's follow-up, "Drip or Drown 2" just dropped last week ... and features 2 songs with tributes to NBAers Fisher and Yao Ming.

Fisher -- who says he's a Gunna fan -- says he hasn't heard the song yet, but his kids have made him well aware of the shoutout.

"It makes me feel old," Fisher tells us. "I was old and not cool, and now I'm a little cooler."

The song -- which is like an ode to guns -- has pretty much nothing to do with D-Fish except for the line in the hook, "shoot like Derek Fisher, ain't no n***a cross the line."

Fisher says he's down to be a part of the music video for the song if Gunna wants him... as long as it's appropriate.

Ex-NBA star Mike Bibby -- the #2 overall pick in the 1998 draft -- is being investigated in Arizona after a high school teacher accused him of sexual abuse and harassment.

Bibby is adamant the allegations are false.

40-year-old Bibby is now the head basketball coach at Shadow Mountain High School -- where a female teacher at the school claims he forcefully rubbed his genitals against her during a 2017 incident.

According to official documents, the woman claims Bibby grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his car while on school grounds -- and then proceeded to grind up on her.

The woman filed a request for a restraining order in February 2019 -- which a judge granted on Feb. 22, according to The Arizona Republic. It's unclear why she waited so long to go to authorities.

Bibby is being investigated by the Phoenix Police Dept. -- and the Paradise Valley School District has also launched an internal investigation.

Meanwhile, Bibby's attorney, Donald Harris, is confident the NBA player will be exonerated.

"I can say with pretty much certainty this alleged incident didn't happen and that will be shown down the road," Harris told the Arizona Republic.

"Michael Bibby did not participate in a sexual assault of any way, shape or form that was alleged by this lady two years ago."

Since the school was not formally made aware of the allegations until recently, Bibby has still been coaching at Shadow Mountain -- where he led the basketball team to its 4th consecutive state title over the weekend.

Bibby has been with the school for 6 years -- during which Shadow Mountain has racked up 5 state championships.

Bibby -- the son of former NBA player and coach Henry Bibby -- attended Shadow Mountain back in the '90s before becoming a superstar at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

After he was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the '98 Draft, Bibby spent 14 seasons in the NBA -- playing for teams like the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks.

Though he never made an All-Star team, Bibby was a solid NBA player -- averaging 14.7 points a game, 5.5 assists and 3 rebounds.

Karl-Anthony Towns says he had a "5 percent chance of surviving" the scary car accident he was involved in last week ... and he's "blessed to be alive" and mostly uninjured.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star was heading to the Minneapolis airport for the team's trip to New York last Thursday ... when the car KAT was traveling in was hit by a semitruck traveling at 45 miles per hour.

Towns -- who missed the Wolves' past 2 games as a part of being in concussion protocol -- gave details on the accident at practice on Monday ... saying he knows it could have been MUCH worse.

"I'd say I had a 5 percent chance of making it out alive," KAT says, "I hit the 5 percent mark. I'd say 4 percent was to be seriously injured and 1 percent was to be minorly injured ... and I came out in the 1 percent."

No word on who was behind the wheel, but Towns -- who was also traveling with the team's assistant strength and conditioning coach -- was NOT driving.

"In all honesty, I probably should not have made it out like I did."

KAT didn't suffer any major injuries from the crash ... but he missed the first 2 games of his career ... ending his games played streak at 303.

Joel Embiid thinks Wilt Chamberlain, NOT Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever ... and Dennis Rodman thinks ... well, he thinks Embiid should "shut the f**k up!!!"

TMZ Sports saw Rodman at LAX on Sunday ... and asked him about the 76ers star's comments about his former Bulls teammate.

Embiid sent the NBA world into a frenzy during a recent episode of Ringer's NBA Desktop, when he said ... "[Jordan] is not the G.O.A.T."

"To me, you got Wilt Chamberlain. He’s got all the records, and no one is ever gonna beat them. I don’t see anyone ever getting 100 points in a game. That’s it, he’s the G.O.A.T.”

Rodman's take?

"Joel Embiid, you're doing a great job for your little island or country where you're from. Shut the f**k up, go do your goddamn job and do Philly proud. That's the 1 thing they need, a championship."

Just to be crystal clear DR didn't agree with Joel's take ... we followed up -- so, you're saying Embiid's wrong about Michael not being the greatest of all time???

"You're goddamn right he's wrong."

Rodman might be a little biased ... he played 3 years with Michael in Chicago -- winning an NBA championship each season.

Michael ('84-'03) and Wilt ('59-'73) played in different eras ... and both had ridiculous stats and an insane amount of accolades.

Jordan is a 6x NBA champion, 6x Finals MVP, 5x NBA MVP, 14x All-Star, 10x NBA scoring champ, 10x All-NBA 1st Team, 9x NBA All-Defensive 1st Team who averaged 30 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists a game over his 15 season career.

Wilt was a 2x NBA champion, 1x Finals MVP, 4x NBA MVP, 13x All-Star, 7x NBA scoring champ, 7x All-NBA 1st Team, 11x NBA rebounding champ who once scored 100 points in a game and averaged 30 points, 23 rebounds, 4 assists a game over his 14 season career.

MJ is in the Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA HOF ... and Wilt's in the Basketball HOF and College B-Ball HOF.

We also asked Rodman if Embiid -- who's a pretty good hooper himself (he's arguably the league's most skilled big man) -- will ever himself be considered one of the all-time greats.