NBA

WARNING: THIS VIDEO WILL MAKE YOU WINCE!!!

NBA star Jamal Murray was so pissed during a play Monday night ... he straight-up uppercut his opponent right in the groin -- and then he was promptly kicked from the contest.

The wild incident all went down in the 3rd quarter of the Nuggets vs. Mavericks game in Dallas -- when Murray appeared to be enraged after getting bumped by Tim Hardaway Jr.

With no foul called after the two had collided ... Murray got up and appeared to take a swing at Hardaway Jr.'s family jewels like he was a young Johnny Cage (memba that?!)

The inner part of Jamal's elbow looked like it caught flush ... and immediately, the ref blew his whistle to signal for a foul.

After an ensuing video investigation by the zebras ... Murray was deemed to have done it intentionally -- and he was ejected.

Hardaway Jr., meanwhile, was in quite a bit of pain -- you can see in the TV replay, he grabbed his junk and screamed.

But ... the Dallas star ended up shaking it off -- scoring the game's next few baskets. Tough guy!!!

For Murray's part, his coach, Michael Malone, was hopeful after the game the nut shot wouldn't lead to more league discipline by the NBA.

"Hopefully, it's nothing more than Jamal being ejected tonight and we can use it as a learning experience," Malone said.

As for Hardaway Jr., he didn't appear to be all that mad at Murray after the matchup ... 'cause he was still getting over the fact that his team ended up losing, 117-113.

"Just playing the game and I guess he was just frustrated that they didn't call a foul," Hardaway Jr. said of Murray. "I was trying to do the best I can to deny the ball."

"The rest speaks for itself. It happens in the game. It sucks, but it doesn't even matter at this point. We lost."

Russell Westbrook and John Wall went IN on each other in their first matchup since their blockbuster trade this offseason ... with the two stars getting T'ed up after a fuming trash talk sesh Tuesday night.

Emotions were certainly running high at the Toyota Center in Houston ... with Wall and Russ getting into a heated exchange after the Rockets guard fouled the former MVP late in the 4th quarter.

Both guys started jawing at each other -- and the refs were having none if it ... choosing to hit both superstars with technical fouls.

Brodie addressed the trash talk with reporters after the 107-88 loss to the Rockets ... saying, "Listen, I don't start talking s***. I defend myself 'cause I don't allow people to just say anything."

Unclear exactly what was said, but Westbrook felt Wall went after him because the Rockets have been in a groove -- "I think they're just talking s*** 'cause they just started winning. We will play them again."

As for Wall, he chalked it up to just being competitive and wanting to prove he can still play to the organization that traded him.

"That's what two competitive guys do." the former Wizard said. "Russ been kicking my ass for years. This is only my 3rd win against Russ, I think, since I've been in the league. So, that means that he's a hell of a talent."

He added ... "I just feel like the organization thought I was done, no matter how much hard work I put in over the summer. They came and watched me. I thought they thought I was done. That's why I came out here and did what I did."

Rockets big man DeMarcus Cousins -- who’s very familiar with on-court exchanges -- felt it wasn't a big deal at all.

"That’s nothing. Just two competitors. Trash talking is a part of the game, as much as they don’t want it to be. Two alphas."

Longtime NBA reporter Sekou Smith -- a staple on NBA TV -- has died after battling COVID. He was only 48.

"The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family," the NBA said in a statement.

"Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific friend to so many across the league."

Smith covered basketball for more than 20 years -- and spent the last 11 years with Turner Sports where he excelled as a TV analyst, podcaster and writer.

"Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Heather and their children Gabriel, Rielly, and Cameron."

Fellow NBA writer Marc J. Spears paid tribute to Sekou -- saying, "Thank you for your brotherly friendship, humor, honesty and compassion. Glad we had a chance to tell each other we loved each other three weeks ago."

"You were a gift to this Earth as a friend, father and a man Sekou Smith. Rest In Peace to my brother. Prayers to your wife & family."

Caris LeVert underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mass on his kidney Monday ... and the Pacers star guard is now expected to make a full recovery with no other procedures needed.

Indiana team officials made the announcement Tuesday ... saying LeVert is in good shape after docs diagnosed the 26-year-old with renal cell carcinoma of his left kidney earlier this month.

"The surgery was performed by Dr. Jason Sprunger at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind." the Pacers said in a statement.

"No further treatment is needed. Caris is expected to make a full recovery."

The team added LeVert will be out of Pacers games indefinitely while he recovers.

LeVert was sent to Indiana as part of the trade that put James Harden on the Brooklyn Nets ... and LeVert has credited the swap for possibly saving his life.

"I didn't have any symptoms," LeVert said after doctors discovered the growth on his kidney following a post-trade physical. "I was playing in games. I hadn't missed any games this season yet. I was feeling 100 percent healthy."

"So, in a way, this trade definitely showed and revealed what was going on in my body, so I'm definitely looking at it from that side and definitely humbled to know that this trade could've possibly saved me in the long run."

A Utah politician ain't happy with Shaquille O'Neal's harsh treatment of Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell -- so she introduced a resolution TRASHING the NBA Hall of Famer for everything from "Kazaam" to "Shaq Fu."

... and it's hilarious!

The woman behind the legislation is Rep. Kera Birkeland -- who's the main sponsor of HR3, AKA, "House Resolution Honoring Donovan Mitchell Over Shaquille O'Neal."

The resolution was written to recognize "the exemplary service of Donovan Mitchell to the Utah Jazz and the Utah community; and suggests consideration of making the 'Spida' the official state arachnid."

But, it ain't all sunshine and rainbows -- the bill goes HARD at Shaq for that infamous post-game interview last week when O'Neal told 24-year-old Mitchell he doesn't have what it takes "to get to the next level."

Mitchell handled the on-air criticism like a champ -- and Shaq later explained he was just trying to motivate the guy.

But, O'Neal has been highly criticized by everyone from LeBron James to Kevin Durant -- and now, the politicians are getting involved!

Part of the resolution notes ... "In Utah, we support our players when they face awkward abuse during post-game interviews disguised as pep talks."

Then, the attack begins ... "WHEREAS, the claim by Shaquille O'Neal (Shaq) on January 21, 2021, that Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell Jr. (Donovan) doesn't have what it takes to get to the next level is even less accurate than his 50.4% playoff free-throw percentage (slightly worse than Donovan's 88.1%)."

Oh, there's more ... "WHEREAS, the Jazz eliminated Shaq and the Los Angeles Lakers from the playoffs in 1997 (4-1) and 1998 (4-0)."

Yep, the Shaq attack continues ...

"We are not talking about 2000, 2001, 2002, or 2006 right now, the years in which Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers and Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat won championships for Shaq."

Now, the cheap shots ... the resolution goes through some of Shaq's biggest flops from movies to video games.

"Kazaam has a 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes ... ,Shaq under-develops his hot takes almost as well as his 1990's "Shaq Fu" video game."

"Although Shaq's 'skill' was being bigger than everyone else, Donovan has progressively succeeded through talent, dedication, and constant effort."

The resolution also notes Mitchell's charitable contributions to the people of Utah -- "Donovan has provided backpacks, school supplies, and most importantly, his time, to Utah students."

"Donovan launched the SPIDACARES, a foundation to empower women following the example set by his mother and sister."

We spoke with Rep. Birkeland who tells us the resolution is "100% real" -- adding, "I can tell you that so many players in our state were disheartened that even at the NBA level you're still getting marginalized."

If at first you don't succeed ... try, try again!!

That's exactly what Kyrie Irving did Monday night ... super sneakily handing off his threads to Bam Adebayo after the Heat vs. Nets game -- and the dude got away with it this time!!

Of course, the NBA’s new COVID-19 safety protocols were created to enforce social distancing measures between players on opposing teams. This means no pre or post-game hugs. No handshakes. No jersey swaps.

On Saturday, Irving attempted to give the Heat big man his jersey after the Nets win, but security wasn’t having it -- they broke up the exchange and Irving was not allowed to give his jersey up.

But, the two teams met again Monday night and Irving was determined to get Adebayo his threads -- this time, he hatched a sneaky plan like he was Danny Ocean (shout out George Clooney).

Irving remained cool and crept near the Nets bench before taking off his jersey and signaling over Adebayo.

The 2 stars embraced for a split second, with Irving slyly passing over his jersey in the process.

The plan was executed without a hitch ... with Bam walking away and stuffing Kyrie's jersey in his own before casually walking into the locker room.

Let's just hope more players don't follow suit -- COVID-19 is no joke, and the NBA has already had a bunch of games postponed this season.

It's been 365 days since Kobe Bryant tragically passed away ... but Byron Scott's still nowhere close to moving on -- telling TMZ Sports, "I still think about him every day."

The former NBA star was very tight with the Mamba -- Byron played with Kobe AND coached him -- and he says getting through the tragedy has been hard as hell.

"There's two people that passed away in my life," Byron said. "My mom, who I think about all the time, and 'Showboat.' I think about him every day."

Scott explained, "It's something about him that, in my life, every day something brings me back to a memory of KB."

Byron says from when he met Kobe as a 17-year-old, to coaching him with the Lakers in his late 30s -- Bryant inspired him in nearly every way.

"I was just blessed to be able to be around him," said Byron, who added Kobe was "an unbelievable person."

As we reported, 41-year-old Bryant died along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash one year ago today.

The NBA world has paid homage to the legend in nearly every way since the wreck -- with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis getting Kobe tribute tattoos, and others, like Charles Barkley and J.R. Smith, remembering him publicly in recent days.

Byron says the legacy Kobe left behind is unquestioned ... telling us he believes the former Lakers superstar is firmly in the conversation for greatest basketball player of all time.

Kyrie Irving is honoring the late Kobe Bryant before taking the court Monday night ... wearing the Lakers legend's iconic #8 jersey ahead of the 1-year anniversary of his death.

KAI and the Black Mamba built a strong relationship over the years ... with the 5-time champ serving as a mentor for the young superstar.

With Tuesday marking one year since the Bryant's tragic death, the Brooklyn Nets guard wanted to make sure he did something Kobe-related with his wardrobe choice.

"You know who I was rockin’ tonight," Irving said as he entered Barclays Center to face off against the Miami Heat ... showing off the Purple & Gold threads.

The players may decide to pay homage to Kobe, but teams and the NBA reportedly will not officially address the anniversary per the family's request, according to reporter Jason Dumas.

Lakers star Anthony Davis spoke about how emotional the next few days will be ... saying, "As we approach his 1-year anniversary, it saddens our hearts to actually come to the realization that he's gone."

"I know I still have trouble with it, you still just can't believe it."

LeBron James added ... "There's a lot of things that die in this world, but legends never die." James said "And he's exactly that."

RIP

J.R. Smith is opening up about Kobe Bryant -- just before the 1 year anniversary of Mamba's death -- explaining why Kobe made him a better person and basketball player.

"Took these days for granted," Smith said about a photo of the two playing each other back in the day ... "Thought i was really going to play against you forever."

Then came the personal message to his friend ...

"Appreciate the competitive nature you brought out in me, sh*t can’t lie i ain’t know i had some of this shit till you [handed] out them ass whoopings an i had to figure it out."

"The game misses your avatar but we all know your soul is all around it. Miss you."

Kobe -- along with his daughter Gianna and 7 other people -- passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

After Kobe's death, Smith joined the Lakers -- and back in August, he told the media how the team kept Bryant's memory alive.

"His name comes up every single day," Smith said at the time ... "We chant his name after every break, after every huddle."

"We always speak of his memory. We speak of his mindset, how we can attach that to our team as individuals to collectively come together for this one common goal that we’re all trying to strive to get."

Ex-NBA star Joe Johnson says Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are already the most lethal scoring big 3 in NBA history ... telling TMZ Sports the Brooklyn Nets will be a serious problem for "any damn body."

It's a huge statement coming from Johnson -- after all, the Golden State Warriors won 2 'ships with the offensive juggernaut of KD, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson ... and very well could have won more if everyone had stayed healthy.

JJ says the entire league -- including LeBron James' Lakers -- will struggle to stop Brooklyn's trio of superstars ... but there's one major issue keeping them from being a lock to win the Larry O'Brien trophy this season.

"They can score the ball, it's just getting stops," Johnson told us at LAX on Thursday. "That's gonna be their biggest problem the whole season."

Johnson isn't ready to call them the best overall big 3 in the game, but scoring-wise?? Hell yeah.

"No question. The best three isolation, get-a-bucket -- yeah you're not gon' get better than this."

When asked what this means for LeBron's quest for ring #5, Joe keeps it real.

"S***, they're gonna be a problem for any damn body. Not just the Lakers. But, like I said, the Nets, they'll figure it out over the course of the season and they'll get things rolling. Right now, they still tryna find themselves."

LaVar Ball says his son, LaMelo, is pissed off about coming off the bench during his stellar rookie season ... telling TMZ Sports it's about damn time he gets his spot in the starting lineup.

The youngest Ball bro has easily been one of the best rookies so far in 2021 -- the #3 overall pick in the NBA Draft is averaging nearly 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists through 14 games for the Charlotte Hornets.

We spoke with Papa Ball about Melo coming off the bench behind Devonte' Graham ... and he says while the 19-year-old isn't showing it on the outside, he's actually unhappy about the situation.

"My thing is he ain't happy with that, but he ain't go show that," Ball tells us. "If I train you to be the best and always been starting all your life -- here is what they don't get. My boys are not freakin' role players! They superstars! Let them do what they do!"

LaVar points out Melo could be held back due to Hornets coach James Borrego not having that -- oh, how should we say this -- Big Baller frame of mind.

"But, if your mentality ain't like that, guess what? It's hard to coach my boys and tap into the best because you don't have a killer mindset."

LaVar also talks about his other boys -- Lonzo and LiAngelo -- saying the brothers could still team up and dominate the NBA together ... and would even be able to beat the Brooklyn Nets big three.

Charles Barkley says the 1-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death is hitting him pretty hard -- explaining, "It was like a death in my family."

"I’ve known Kobe his whole life" Barkley told "Ellen" on the episode that airs Friday ... "So, I've been around him for 30 years. So he was like part of my family."

Kobe -- along with 13-year-old daughter Gianna and 7 others -- passed away in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, almost 1 year ago.

Barkley told Ellen the NBA is a tight-knit community where players and staff become really close over the years ... "And any time someone on the NBA dies, it's painful."

As for Kobe, "He was a great kid, he was obviously one of the greatest basketball players ever," Charles said ... "But, you know when people die young, that's what hurts me."

"If you get to be a certain age and die, if you had a great life [that's one thing] ... but when you die really young, it just really sucks. Especially for his wife and his kids."

Barkley also wanted to pay his respects to the other 7 people on the helicopter -- saying, "There are other families who lost loved ones and I want to give them my thoughts and prayers [on the 1 year anniversary of the crash]."

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is VERY concerned people think Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump means the fight for social justice is over ... and he's begging people to "keep the same energy."

"I don't want to be pessimistic, but I think now having a new face [in the White House], people are taking their foot off the gas, thinking that everything is okay now," Brown said Thursday.

"I would like to challenge that. We still have a lot of work to do, regardless if Biden is in office or not."

Brown added, "Just because we have a new President doesn’t mean the system doesn’t need to be changed."

The 24-year-old star -- 3rd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft -- has been one of the more outspoken NBA players when it comes to the fight for social justice ... famously peacefully protesting the death of George Floyd and then speaking out against the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Now that Donald Trump is out of office, Brown is concerned people are feeling a false sense of victory when it comes to racial issues in the U.S. ... and he's begging the community to step up.

"My dilemma was never with any presidencies or selections of different faces. It’s more about the system, I think, that needs to be changed."

He continued, "I know there was a lot of stress attached to our former president, potentially. But, I definitely want to keep the same energy up in terms of having the awareness and pushing forward for change."

"We gotta keep the same energy up. People still gotta care. People still need to make phone calls, you know, etc. So, I’m looking forward to continuing to fight for change."

The Big Aristotle is now The Big Community Relations Director ... Shaquille O'Neal has been hired for the role by a sheriff's office in Georgia!!

A rep for the Henry County Sheriff's Office confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday that the NBA legend will be starting the job ASAP.

Goal #1 for the former L.A. Lakers superstar, according to Sheriff’s spokesperson Eric Jackson? Have Shaq help bring the community closer.

"As a part of Sheriff [Reginald] Scandrett’s strategic plan, bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement is paramount,” Jackson told the AJC.

“Coupled with Dr. O’Neal’s philanthropy, Scandrett and Shaq have a specific plan to begin uniting the Henry County community.”

Cool gig for Shaq ... but of course, it shouldn't surprise anybody at all that he landed the role.

You'll recall, The Big Diesel has always had an affinity for law enforcement ... and has even been sworn in as a deputy or officer at several police agencies across the country through the years.

In fact, Shaq had once said it was his goal to ultimately be the Henry County Sheriff himself!!

There's a new lady in NBA center Enes Kanter's life ... and it's none other than Ariana Rockefeller, the great-great-granddaughter of oil mogul John D. Rockefeller!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the 28-year-old Portland Trail Blazers player and 38-year-old fashion designer/equestrian have been seeing each other for several months now ... after initially meeting over social media.

Our sources tell us the two quickly bonded over animal rights advocacy ... something that both are very passionate about (Kanter recently opened up about switching to a vegan diet).

In fact, Susan Rockefeller, Ariana's aunt, recently commented on Kanter's pro-vegan Instagram post, saying "Keep inspiring 👍plants and food as medicine"

"thank you @arianarockefeller for sharing this❤️❤️❤️"

We're told Kanter spent much of the past NBA off-season in New York with Ariana ... and the couple have also spent time together in Portland during the season.

The new development has been unfolding for months in the IG comments ... but this is the first time they have gone "official" on the 'gram.

However, we're told the two are not *officially* official just yet ... in other words, no labels.

Rockefeller was previously married to entrepreneur Matthew Bucklin -- the couple divorced in 2019.

How'd Steph Curry show love to Joe Biden on inauguration day??

ULTRA-RARE KICKS, BABY!!!

The Golden State Warriors superstar busted out his 2-of-a-kind, famous Under Armour Curry 3 shoes for warmups before the Dubs took on the Spurs on Wednesday ... and the sneaks are clearly still as dope as ever.

FYI -- Curry teamed up with UA back in 2017 to make the special shoes -- creating them as a way to honor the end of Barack Obama's 2-term presidency.

Reportedly, only 2 pairs were ever made -- one for Steph and one for Obama -- and they were awesome ... featuring the presidential seal on the tongue as well as other nods to the former president all over them.

Curry hadn't been seen in the shoes since '17 ... but he apparently kept good care of them -- 'cause after Biden had been sworn in Wednesday morning, Steph took the court in the feet heat!

Curry -- who's big-time pals with Obama and a huge supporter of Biden -- laced them up pregame ... before transitioning into another pair of his signature shoes for game time.

Seems the POTUS kicks were good luck ... Curry balled out against San Antonio, scoring 26 points and adding 7 assists in the win.