NBA

Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson still haven't come up for air ... 'cause they're still sucking face in Mexico with Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons in tow.

Khloe, Tristan, Kendall, Ben and a bunch of friends hit up the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where we're certain there's TONS of action ... based on the pics -- a little swimming in the pool, a dip in the ocean, some jet skiing and PDA-packed sessions.

LaVar Ball says it's hardly worth discussing whether Donald Trump is a racist ... it's soooo obvious.

We got the Ball patriarch Friday night in L.A. at the Junior Basketball Ass'n tourney, and asked about Trump going after LeBron James, calling him dumb. It's interesting ... Ball says people don't care about LeBron's political stance ... they care about him winning for the Lakers. Weird comment, since LeBron is one of the strongest, most compelling voices in America for civil rights.

"Shut Up and Dribble" could turn into "Shut Up and Pay Me" for LeBron James.

Despite the fact he's launching a new Showtime series using the 'S.U.A.D.' title, we've learned someone else has already moved on locking down the trademark to use the phrase on clothing.

Of course, LeBron LOVES to turn his projects and catchphrases into fashion items -- we've seen him do it with "Strive For Greatness" gear and just the other day he rocked a shirt that said "I Promise," the name of his new school in Ohio.

So, it seems obvious he would try to get the rights to "Shut Up and Dribble" too.

The problem ... a guy in Jersey named William DelGrande applied for the trademark back in February ... just a few days after FOX News' Laura Ingraham used the phrase to scold LeBron for getting involved in politics.

DelGrande doesn't own the trademark outright -- at least, not yet -- but he's got a big head start on LeBron ... which gives him an advantage if James makes a claim.

The good news ... DelGrande says he's willing to drop his claim -- for the right price.

Don't get it twisted, DelGrande isn't looking for a 7-figure deal -- telling TMZ Sports he'd wave the white flag for a "reasonable price."

Kylie Jenner can legally drink -- and she's a billionaire -- which are 2 good reasons why there were 2 insane parties Thursday night that not only brought out the Kardashian brood in full force, but reunited Scott with Kourtney and Caitlyn with Kris ... at least for one night.

You gotta see the video. Hoards of photogs pounced on Craig's in WeHo Thursday night, as Kris, Kim, Kanye, Kendall, Kourtney, Scott and Khloe made their way in.

Caitlyn, who has been estranged from most of her former fam, made a rare appearance ... partly because she still has a relationship with Kylie.

It was more than a family birthday celebration ... Dave Chappelle, Chandler Parsons, Kevin Durant, Paloma Ford, Meek Mill, Chris Brown and French Montana were on hand for the bash. Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were also there together.

It didn't end at Craig's. The party moved to Delilah, where everyone cut loose. Chappelle grabbed a mic and sang, "Killing Me Softly."

At least Tekashi69 had one court victory on Thursday ... 'cause the rapper faced off with Victor Oladipo's violent dunk in a basketball session ... and technically, he kinda won.

Fresh off a court appearance for his child sex case -- in which prosecutors recommended 1 to 3 years behind bars -- the "FEFE" spitter went right back to talking trash on social media ... with the NBA star being his newest target.

"Victor Oladipo is trash. I’m defensive player of the year," Tekashi said.

Of course, Oladipo is the opposite of trash. Dude won Most Improved Player in the NBA this season.

NBA guard Nik Stauskas just took the biggest shot of his life ... and SCORED -- 'cause his smokin' hot girlfriend said yes to marriage!!

The new Trail Blazers stud just met Alexandra Brynn last August ... but things heated up quickly -- with Nik popping the question Wednesday in front of EVERYONE at Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square.

And, yeah ... the ring is definitely NBA sized.

"Words can’t even describe the feeling I had waking up this morning knowing I’d be waking up next to you every day for the rest of my life," Nik said on his IG page.

"I always knew when I got down on one knee you would say yes, but to actually have it happen last night was a dream come true!"

Congrats!!

If anyone thought LeBron James was going on the California Diet to get all skinny now that he's a Laker, YOU'RE WRONG, 'cause here's a pic that proves his muscles are still of the Ohio corn-fed variety.

Here's LeBron shooting around with his teammates in purple & gold practice gear, and the dude looks MASSIVE.

Along with Bron, Brandon Ingram and some team trainers were also in the building watching King James work. It's the first time we've seen Bron in his Lakers practice gear since he signed his contract.

With all the big Hollywood deals he's been making lately -- along with launching a school in Ohio -- it's good to see him making time for some hoop.

Everyone knows LeBron's a workout warrior, and with the way people have been coming at him lately, it might be a good idea to break out the guns and show he's ummm ... different.

If you wonder how he does it ... check out the INSANE video below.

LeBron James is clearly unmoved by the criticism of his new I Promise school in Ohio -- at least judging by his shirt.

After Bron announced the opening of the district school in Akron, reports came out showing James is not covering the full operating costs of the school ... only around 25%. The rest is covered by taxpayers.

Don't get it twisted, Bron's coming out of pocket roughly $2 MILLION per year (amazing), but the school will reportedly cost around $8 mil per year to run.

Some critics went in on LeBron for putting such a heavy burden on the school district -- others praised LeBron for his generosity and commitment to education.

Despite the drama, LeBron went out in Hollywood Wednesday night wearing an "I Promise" shirt -- showing his full support for his passion project.

LaVar Ball is going to love this ...

There will be no Lakers beef between Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball this season -- at least when it comes to minutes -- 'cause Rajon tells TMZ Sports he'll do whatever it takes to help Zo grow!!

Of course, Rondo and Lonzo play the same position -- point guard -- and there's been some concern the two could clash in a battle for playing time.

But, 32-year-old Rajon says he just wants to be the best teammate he can be -- and if that means sitting behind 20-year-old Lonzo, so be it.

"I'm ready to help develop Lonzo as much as possible," Rajon says.

"If I'm not starting and he's starting, he's going to be ready to go and ready for anybody that comes his way. And we'll be ready to roll."

Here's Joakim Noah proving he's got nothing to hide when it comes to getting naked -- stripping off his pants in the middle of the street in Santa Monica ... and yeah, dude's in great shape.

The New York Knicks player was leaving a vintage French boutique in Santa Monica on Monday -- when he decided it was time for a wardrobe change.

Off came the shorts ... out came his bare ass -- and Noah couldn't help but smile as people walked by him in the middle of the day.

Joakim Noah's 6'11", 230 pounds and was standing in front of his expensive Porsche ... so, we're sure no one even noticed -- right?

Charles Oakley pled no contest to misdemeanor disorderly conduct stemming from his alleged cheating incident at a Vegas casino ... but he won't spend another minute behind bars.

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Oakley was arrested on July 8 after officials say he cheated multiple times at the Cosmopolitan hotel while playing the Ultimate Texas Hold'Em table game.

The ex-NBA star was initially charged with committing a fraudulent act in a casino -- a felony that carried up to 6 years in prison.

But, Oakley's attorneys were able to cut a deal with prosecutors in which they reduced the felony to a misdemeanor ... and ultimately, Oak will not serve ANY jail time. We're told Oakley's punishment is a $1,000 fine.

"Mr. Oakley has pled no contest to the simple misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct which fully resolves this situation," Oakley's attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, said in a statement.

Matt Barnes says "dumbass" Donald Trump is crazy for going after LeBron James on Twitter -- telling TMZ Sports he's convinced POTUS is a racist.

Barnes played against James for years in the NBA and was VERY offended when Trump attacked the NBA superstar's intelligence Friday night ... especially since he knows James to be really smart, business savvy and philanthropic.

So, what's Barnes gonna do about it? He's putting his money where his mouth is.

Matt tells TMZ Sports he's now trying to set up a political run for himself in Sacramento -- explaining he wants to run for mayor at some point in the future.

Barnes says he wants to use his fame and influence to improve his community and prove athletes shouldn't just "shut up and dribble."

Here's Kendall Jenner, Ben Simmons and her Doberman Pinscher just out grabbing a quick bite, right before things allegedly went south with a little girl.

TMZ broke the story, Kendall's pup allegedly nipped at the girl Sunday morning at Beverly Glen Deli in Los Angeles. Someone at the deli called 911, but police didn't respond because there were no serious injuries.

You can see the dog seemed pretty friendly with another customer as Kendall and Ben arrived.

Val Chmerkovskiy has become the latest in Hollywood to recruit a member of the LeBron family ... with the two-time Mirror Ball trophy winner callin' out Bronny to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors"!

Remember ... L.A.'s biggest celebs have already lined up to work with LeBron now that he's a Laker -- and just a few days ago, Jackie Christie begged Savannah to join "Basketball Wives."

Now ... Bronny's getting the Tinseltown pitch, courtesy of new 'DWTS: Juniors' judge Chmerkovskiy -- who tells TMZ Sports he really wants to see LBJ Jr. on the dance floor.

"It'll be awesome for you," Val says. "You're welcome, you should come on the show!"

It wouldn't be the most farfetched thing we've ever seen ... after all, we already reported Scottie Pippen's 9-year-old daughter is slated to be on the show.

NBA player Denzel Valentine got embarrassed at the Drew League in L.A. recently ... and now the man responsible for dropping 44 on DV is telling us why it had to be done in such savage fashion.

The man's name is Frank "Nitty" Sessions ... the reigning Drew Leauge MVP and triggerman for The Game's team, "Birdie's Revenge."

Sessions' beatdown of Valentine instantly went viral ... and when he spoke with TMZ Sports, he told us in this case it was a little more than a day's work ... it was PUNISHMENT.

"He said something that bothered me, that most NBA guys I play with would never say to me."

We asked Nitty what Valentine said to him ... and, while he wouldn't say exactly, he gave us an idea when we asked if DV referenced the difference in the two men's bank accounts.

"Oh, of course he did. That's why I lost it. It's two lines and we both playing for free right now. In between these lines that don't got nothing to do with it."

BTW -- Sessions ain't broke. He's been getting money playing ball overseas for years, and basketball pays all the bills for him.

Frank says he wants to test his game against Chris Paul or Patrick Beverley next ... but until that happens, relive what he did to Valentine below ... might not be suitable for kids, it's that nasty.

Reggie Theus says HE'S the reason Michael Jordan is what he is today ... and he's waiting on Bulls fans to finally respect that -- telling TMZ Sports, "I'm looking for a check actually."

The former NBA star was leaving LAX when he explained to us that if it weren't for him, the '90s Bulls might have never been a thing.

"I take a lot of credit for their success," Reggie says. "Because, if we weren't so bad, they would have never gotten Michael Jordan."

Theus laughs off the comment ... but Reggie WAS part of the Chicago team in the 1983-84 season that was so awful, it allowed the Bulls to get the No. 3 pick and take M.J. the following season.