NBA

His leg is still busted ... but Klay Thompson's jumper is still wet as hell!!

The 31-year-old is still rehabbing his torn right Achilles, but it hasn't impacted his ability to shoot the 3-ball ... just watch this video showing Klay nailing TWELVE long-distance shots in a row during a workout with Warriors staffer Zaza Pachulia.

Yeah, Klay isn't running around yet -- but every time Zaza dishes him the rock, Thompson hits nothing but net ... until that pesky 13th shot!

"Pure water," the Splash Bro quipped as he sank shot after shot -- the guy looks like a frickin' scoring machine!

Thompson hasn't seen live NBA action since Game 5 of the 2019-2020 NBA finals when he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee while driving to the hoop.

Tragedy struck again in Nov. 2020 when Klay tore his right Achilles at a pickup game with other NBA players.

Earlier this week, Klay spoke with reporters and gave an update on his recovery -- saying, "I'm not running yet but I'm running on the treadmill underwater and that's good for my psyche."

He added that he's hoping to return to action by opening day of the 2021-22 NBA season.

By the way, the 12 shots in a row are super impressive -- but his Splash Bro, Steph Curry, once hit 100 straight 3s in one of the most epic shooting displays of all time.

These guys ... unreal.

The King just gave his stamp of approval to Charlotte Hornets star rookie LaMelo Ball ... saying the 19-year-old is looking pretty "damn" impressive for a young rookie.

LeBron's Lakers took on Melo's Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on Thursday -- logging a solid 26 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds in a losing effort against the defending champs.

The Lakers ultimately won the game 116 to 105 -- thanks to a 37-point effort from James -- and during the post-game presser, Bron admits Melo looked pretty good out there!

"I think he's, ya know, damn good ... to be his age," Bron said.

"His speed, his quickness, his ability to make shots at all facets, ya know in the paint, floaters, threes, he has the 3-tier already, and he's going to only get better."

In other words, Brown says Melo can score from everywhere.

LeBron continued ... "Every game is a learning experience for him. He's going to get better and better as the season goes on, as his career goes on, and so on and so on.”

James ain't lying ... Ball is having a great rookie season -- the #3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is averaging 16 point-per-game, 6.2 assists, and 5.9 rebounds on the season.

He’s also the reigning 2-time Eastern conference rookie of the month.

James also praised Melo's big bro, Lonzo Ball -- Bron's former teammate who is now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans -- saying both of the Balls are special players.

"[Melo] and Zo are two just very unique players in our league, and they showcase that every night."

Two NBA teams paid tribute to the victims of the massacre in Georgia -- with the Lakers labelling the incident as an "act of anti-Asian racism."

As we previously reported, officials say 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long went on a shooting spree in Atlanta Tuesday night, killing 8 people, including 6 Asian women.

Officials have not said if race was the motivating factor in the shooting -- with one sheriff’s office spokesman suggesting Tuesday that "sex addiction" was the driving force.

Asian community leaders have called BS -- insisting race was obviously a factor since the gunman seemingly targeted Asian-ran spas in his rampage.

The L.A. Lakers aren't buying the "sex addiction" explanation -- and straight-up labeled the incident as a hate crime when the team held a moment of silence on Thursday evening when the team hosted the Charlotte Hornets.

"The Lakers family was saddened to hear the events late Tuesday night in Atlanta Georgia where 8 people lost their lives in an act of anti-Asian racism," the announcer said over the P.A. system before tip-off.

"As an organization, the Lakers stand in solidarity with the Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders community and are committed to taking action towards being a part of the change we want to see take place."

"At this time, please join the Lakers organization in a moment of silence for the 8 victims of this senseless tragedy."

Over in Atlanta, the Hawks also held a moment of silence for the victims -- noting, "We stand with the entire Asian community in grief and solidarity over Tuesday's senseless and tragic acts of violence."

The announcer read a statement over the loudspeaker which said, "Independent of the motivations, racist and gender-based crime have absolutely no place in our society and we're committed to being an ally to communities in need."

"Please join me in a moment of silence in memory of those whose lives were lost on Tuesday."

Meyers Leonard is free to stream on Twitch again -- we've learned his ban has been lifted just over a week after he used an anti-Semitic slur during a video game session.

Remember, the former Miami Heat player was playing "Call of Duty" on March 9 when he hurled the K-word at an opposing player.

Twitch immediately blocked Leonard from the platform -- and the NBA hit Meyers with a $50k fine and a 1-week suspension.

Leonard apologized for using the slur and he's been working with various Jewish leaders to educate himself about why the word is dangerous and offensive ever since.

Now, Leonard's Twitch account has been reactivated -- which means he can get back to playing games in front of his 69,000 followers.

So far, Leonard has not logged back on -- and we're told he doesn't plan on doing so for a while -- while he continues to focus on educating himself.

In the meantime, Leonard has been traded from the Miami Heat to the OKC Thunder (though the Thunder don't plan on keeping him) ... and Meyers' wife issued a statement thanking the Heat franchise and the fan base.

"Our experience with the Heat has been anything but ordinary. Yet, it was nothing but exceptional", Elle Leonard said in a statement on social media.

Meyers Leonard's time in South Beach is over -- the Miami Heat are trading the controversial center just one week after he spewed an anti-Semitic slur on a live stream.

The Heat are shipping the 29-year-old and a 2027 2nd-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Trevor Ariza, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski ... but OKC is not expected to keep Leonard once the trade is completed.

In other words, the Thunder didn't want Leonard ... the team just used his contract to make the trade work.

As a good faith gesture to the Heat, Leonard waived his no-trade clause to help get the deal done.

Remember, Leonard was handed a one-week suspension and a $50,000 fine by the NBA after he called an opponent a "f***ing k*** bitch" during a video game sesh on March 9.

The NBA also required Leonard to participate in a cultural diversity program as part of his punishment.

NBA commish Adam Silver condemned Leonard's remarks ... calling them "inexcusable and hurtful" ... adding, "such an offensive term has no place in the NBA or in our society."

Leonard apologized following the incident ... saying he did not know about the history of the slur, but did not want to use it as an excuse.

"I acknowledge and own my mistake and there's no running from something like this that is so hurtful to someone else."

As we previously reported, Leonard has been in touch with various Jewish groups and leaders from the community in an effort to educate himself about why the word he used is offensive and dangerous ... and we're told he's committed to continuing that work no matter what happens with his NBA career.

For now, we're told Leonard is staying in Miami to continue to train and rehab -- and continue his education with a broad range of leaders in the Jewish community.

There's a good chance Leonard doesn't play NBA ball again for a while -- he played in 3 games in 2020-21 and underwent season-ending surgery in February.

NBA legend Shawn Bradley was badly injured in a bad car vs. bicycle accident in Utah back in January that has left him paralyzed, the Dallas Mavericks confirmed Wednesday.

The 48-year-old -- known for his 7'6" frame -- was riding on his bicycle near his home in St. George, Utah on Jan. 20, 2021 when he was struck from behind by an automobile.

"The accident caused a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed," the Mavericks said.

"After undergoing neck fusion surgery, Bradley has spent the last eight weeks hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation."

Doctors have told Bradley his road to recovery "will be both long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball."

The Dallas Mavericks say Bradley's wife, Carrie, has been by his side the entire time ... and note Shawn is "in good spirits."

Mavs owner Mark Cuban issued a statement saying, "We are saddened to hear of Shawn's accident. Shawn has always been incredibly determined and shown a fighting spirit."

"We wish him nothing but the best in his recovery. He will always be a part of our Mavs family."

Bradley was the #2 overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft -- he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers, but played the majority of his career in Dallas.

Among his accomplishments, Bradley led the NBA in blocks in 1997 and competed for Germany on the international stage.

It ain't Zion Williamson, Grant Hill or Kyrie Irving ... no, the best H.S. basketball player Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's ever seen is Kobe Bryant.

The NCAA hoops legend made the revelation on the newest episode of “The Dream Team Tapes: Kobe, LeBron & The Redeem Team” from Diversion Podcasts ... saying straight-up Kobe was Michael Jordan-esque even in high school.

"I never saw LeBron play in high school," Krzyzewski said, "but when I saw Kobe play, he's the best high school player I've ever seen."

"When he walked into a gym, he walked in like Jordan at a high school level. Like, the place stopped."

In fact, Coach K said Kobe was so ridiculously good ... the Blue Devils honcho put in very minimal effort into recruiting Bryant because he just knew the guy was destined to skip college for the NBA.

"He looked that good, he believed he was that good, and he was that good," Coach K said. "But, I knew he was never going to come [to Duke]."

Kobe reportedly averaged over 30 points, 12 boards, 6.5 assists, 4 steals and nearly 4 blocked shots per game during his final H.S. season at Lower Merion in Penn.

Kobe Bryant's family is gunning to lock up the trademark for "Mamba and Mambacita" -- with the intention of using it for clothing and shoes, according to the application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.

An attorney for Kobe Bryant LLC filed the application on March 10, 2021 -- noting the trademark would be used for clothing ... namely shirts, skirts, pants, shorts, bottoms, socks, dresses, jackets, hoodies, etc.

The application also notes workout clothing such as sweatbands, armbands and footwear.

So, is there a Mamba and Mambacita shoe in the works? Unclear.

In fact, the Bryant family could just be trying to lock up the trademarks to block anyone else from using it ... just like Tom Brady did when he applied for the "Tom Terrific" trademark.

Shaquille O’Neal’s first experience with IcyHot is something he will literally NEVER forget!!

The NBA legend shared the hysterical (and painful) story on the “Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend” podcast … explaining he was once forced to leave an NBA game early after a team trainer used the blue gel “too high” when treating an injured leg.

“I always used to see IcyHot in the locker room, and one day I kind of had like a thigh bruise, and the guy rubbed it, but he rubbed it too high.”

“During the game, my little guys started getting hot -- like, really hot. Like, I thought something was wrong.”

Shaq says the pain eventually got so intense ... he couldn't continue hooping.

“It got to the point where I was like, 'Hey man, I think I need a doctor. My little guys are on fire.'"

O'Neal says he left the court and made a beeline for the showers ... but the water only spread the IcyHot around ... making the situation wayyyy worse.

Thankfully, Shaq says there was a janitor in the locker room ... who suggested he use milk to kill the burn.

“So now I'm in the shower pouring milk on my boys and the guys coming in, they're looking at me like, 'What the hell are you doing?'"

The milk? Well, it worked ... and Shaq knew firsthand the pain-relieving product did too.

So, he signed an endorsement deal with the company ... and many years and big checks later, Big Diesel still works with the brand.

LeBoston Red Sox.

Yep, LeBron James is now a part-owner of one of the most storied franchises in pro sports ... the Boston Red Sox.

So, how did it happen?

LeBron has obtained shares in the Fenway Sports Group -- which is the parent company of the BoSox, along with several other prominent sports teams and companies.

No word on how many shares LeBron owns or how much money he put down -- but what's clear is he's a minority partner in FSG, which means he's a part-owner of the Sox, as first reported by the Boston Globe.

By the way, the Boston Globe is owned by John Henry -- the majority owner of the Boston Red Sox, who's reportedly worth $2.8 BILLION.

LeBron has publicly supported the NY Yankees for years -- but obviously, those days are over now.

The rivalry between NY and Boston goes back decades and there's no way you can support both teams ... even if you're LeBron!

LeBron's business partner, Maverick Carter, is also part of the FSG ownership group now -- which makes him a Sox part-owner as well.

LeBron has yet to publicly comment on the deal -- but he's expected to make some sort of announcement in the near future.

FYI, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly valued at $3.3 BILLION, according to Forbes ... which makes them the 3rd most valuable franchise in MLB, behind the Yankees and Dodgers.

LeBron has some experience with pro sports ownership -- he bought a piece of the legendary Liverpool soccer team back in 2011.

As for FSG, the company owns pieces of the NESN network, Roush Fenway Racing, Liverpool FC and more.

The move expands LeBron's already impressive empire -- he's reportedly made $343 million from NBA contracts alone.

Plus, his media company, Springhill Entertainment, is thriving with "Space Jam 2" coming out soon.

And, don't forget that reportedly $1 billion lifetime deal with Nike.

He's also a part-owner of the Blaze pizza company and has a stake in the Ladder supplement company, which he created with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bottom line ... LeBron is not only the greatest athlete on the planet, he's a pretty savvy businessman, too!

Kristaps Porzingis is NOT being shipped out of Dallas under ANY circumstance ... so says Mark Cuban.

The Mavs owner forcefully shut down persistent rumors that Dallas is looking to move the 25-year-old ... despite only being in the 2nd year of a 5-year $158 million contract he signed in 2019.

There have been rumblings about the Mavs looking for a trade partner for the past month -- including an SNY report that Dallas has reached out to the Golden State Warriors to see if they were interested in a deal.

Cuban had denied the rumors back in February -- but the rumblings continued -- which led to Cuban slamming the door shut on a possible KP move during Tuesday's appearance on "Live with Kelly & Ryan."

"We're not trading KP," Cuban said ... "KP's a star."

As Ryan Seacrest continued to probe, Cuban doubled down -- "It's not gonna happen, Ryan. You heard it here first. Definitely not gonna happen."

Porzingis missed the first 3 weeks of the NBA season while recovering from knee surgery -- and missed another 2 weeks last month with a back injury.

Despite the hiccups, KP is still a monster when he's on the court -- averaging 20.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

The Mavs are currently in 8th place in the Western Conference -- and clearly Cuban is hoping KP will keep them in the playoff hunt.

L.A. Lakers star Kyle Kuzma gave a perfectly reasonable explanation for air-balling a FREE THROW against the Warriors Monday night ... saying a nearby earthquake messed up his shot.

Only one problem -- THERE WAS NO EARTHQUAKE!!!

The hilariously bad moment happened halfway through the 2nd quarter ... when Kuz -- a career 72% free throw shooter -- lined up on the charity stripe to shoot a technical free throw ... and the dude completely missed the rim!!

The Warriors bench let Kuz have it ... with Draymond Green erupting in laughter!!

So ... what the heck happened?!

The 25-year-old forward dug deeeep into his bag of excuses to try and justify his embarrassingly bad shot ... blaming the whole thing on seismic waves.

"San Francisco had a 3.5 magnitude earthquake," Kuzma said after the game. "S**t started rumbling. I don’t know. I got scared, and it went far off to the left."

Of course, there was no earthquake ... and Kuz tried his best to maintain his poker face throughout his fib ... but eventually cracked and broke out in a smile.

It wasn't all bad for #0, though ... Kuz ended up with 17 points in the Lakers' win.

Life on the outside is proving to be GOOOOOD for Bobby Shmurda -- the formerly incarcerated rapper got the VIP treatment at the Brooklyn Nets game on Monday ... and a signed jersey from superstar James Harden!

The 26-year-old had been in custody since December 2014 after he was charged with conspiracy to murder and other gun charges.

In 2016, Shmurda copped a plea deal to conspiracy to possess weapons and possession of a weapon -- and was sentenced to 7 years in prison followed by 5 years probation.

He was released in February 2021 and immediately embraced by rap stars like Quavo. He also had a big presence during NBA All-Star Weekend.

And, the celebration continued Monday night at Barclay's Center where Shmurda enjoyed a VIP suite to watch the Nets take on the NY Knicks.

After Brooklyn secured the W, James Harden took off his game-worn jersey and presented it to Shmurda -- along with a personal message and signature on the threads.

Shmurda was so fired up about the gift, he went right to the media and showed it off while sporting that sick new gold chain he recently scooped up.

Michael Rapaport ain't happy with the punishment dished out to NBA player Meyers Leonard in the wake of his anti-Semitic slur ... suggesting he it would have been way worse if he used the n-word instead of the k-word.

Rapaport was one of Leonard's harshest critics after the Miami Heat center used the k-word to insult an opponent during a video game live stream session earlier this month ... calling him a "dumb f**k" and demanding a sincere video apology.

The NBA has since imposed a 1-week suspension on Leonard and fined him $50,000.

Meyers has apologized and vowed to work with leaders run the Jewish community to educate himself on why the word is so dangerous and offensive.

But, Rap says that's not good enough ... and he's comparing the situation to the announcer who hurled the n-word at a high school basketball team in Oklahoma.

"Why is that any worse than the Myers Leonard thing?" Rapaport told us.

"I'm not happy with [Leonard's] punishment, but I think if he had said a different word -- if it had been a white guy saying the n-word, he’d be cut."

Rap continued, "Every single athlete would have spoken out about it, every single actor -- white, black and in between -- would have spoken out about it and it would still be discussed a week later."

Merriam-Webster defines the word "coalesce" as a verb meaning "to grow together."

... and NBA superstar Jimmy Butler clearly could not care less.

The Miami Heat wing BODIED a reporter Sunday for bringing that big word to his post-game press conference ... saying the guy didn't need to flex his brainy vocabulary when asking a simple question about how the team has bonded over the past few weeks.

The hilarious scene all went down after Butler led the Heat to a win over the Orlando Magic ... when a media member tried to ask the 31-year-old about Miami's recent team success.

"Does it feel like you're coalescing, as much as the record shows, into something?" the reporter asked. "I mean, 10 of 11 [games] is pretty special."

The "coalescing" term threw Butler off guard immediately ... watch the clip, his reaction is priceless!

"Don't do that," Jimmy said to the reporter. "Come on, now. What the hell does that mean?!"

The reporter tried to explain his question ... before Jimmy said, "You said a big word. You confused me."

The media member explained further ... saying he simply meant "coming together, congealing, gelling."

And that's when JB told the guy, "You could have just said that" ... before ultimately answering the question.

Sebastian Telfair's sister just fessed up in court and admitted to threatening to kill the ex-NBA star's estranged wife -- and now, she's facing up to 5 years in prison over it all.

Octavia Telfair had been arrested in May 2019 after federal investigators said she spewed vile threats toward Samantha Telfair.

Prosecutors claimed after Samantha had testified against Sebastian in his gun case ... Octavia felt it was all treacherous, called Samantha repeatedly and left terrifying threats.

Samantha told investigators that Octavia had told her she would "kill my kids and cut my face." Investigators also said Octavia threatened to kill Samantha, her aunt and her siblings as well.

Octavia was initially charged with transmission of threats to injure ... and at a hearing Friday morning, TMZ Sports has confirmed she pleaded guilty to the charge.

"Yes, it was an argument with my sister-in-law, verbal argument," Octavia said on a video conference call with the court. "Yes, I admit it."

Octavia now faces up to 5 years in prison ... though the guilty plea will likely mean she'll spend far less time than that behind bars -- perhaps even no time at all depending on how the judge sees things.

Octavia is due back in court in July for a sentencing hearing.

Sebastian Telfair -- who famously appeared on Sports Illustrated's cover as a high schooler -- played for several teams in the NBA from 2004 to 2015.

He was a Trail Blazer's 1st-round pick in the '04 NBA Draft.

After his NBA career, Telfair was convicted of possessing an illegal firearm stemming from a June 2017 incident where he was caught with an arsenal of weapons during a traffic stop.

Officials say Telfair had 3 pistols, a semi-automatic rifle, a ton of ammo and a bulletproof vest ... as well as some weed.

He was sentenced to 3.5 years behind bars -- but was released in Sept. 2019 on $500,00 bail after only doing a few days in prison.