NBA

Forget Bitcoin ... Kevin Durant's Nets debut jersey could be the next hottest thing in the investment game -- it just hit the memorabilia stock market, and it could net ya a small fortune down the road!

Here's the deal ... the threads KD rocked in his first-ever game as a Net on Dec. 22, 2020 just hit the investment app Otis, and fans can now purchase shares of the uni for $10 apiece.

Reps for the app tell TMZ Sports once all of the initial shares are sold ... it'll go up for trading, and the owners who bought in can hold onto the shares or sell them -- just like a stock.

The current value of the jersey is estimated to be $47,600 ... but experts say it could go up way higher in just a matter of weeks.

After all, Durant's debut with the Nets was a special one ... he put up 22 points in a victory over his former Warriors squad -- and if he's able to win a ring with Brooklyn this summer, the uniform's worth could obviously skyrocket.

In fact, reps for Otis say it's not uncommon to see a 150% to 400% increase on pieces like these.

Just when you thought the trash talk in the Hawks vs. Knicks series couldn't get any better ... here's NYC mayor Bill de Blasio throwing more fuel on the fire, shading the hell out of Trae Young!!

The 60-year-old -- rockin' a NY Knicks ball cap -- took time out of his daily press briefing Tuesday to take shots at the Atlanta star ... and it was aggressive!

The mayor accused Young of crying for calls ... and told him to straight-up stop.

"Stop hunting for fouls, Trae," de Blasio said. "I want to quote Steve Nash -- great player, great coach -- he says, ‘That’s not basketball.'"

de Blasio continued, "Trae, that hawk's not going to fly in New York City. Come on. Play the game the right way."

Of course, Trae ripped the soul out of the Knicks during the first game of their playoff series on Sunday ... hitting a game-winning floater and talking all kinds of smack to the crowd at Madison Square Garden afterward.

Even Trae's Dad got involved ... puffing out his chest and celebrating BIG-TIME after the shot.

NY fans -- who chanted "F*** Trae Young" throughout the game -- have since fired away all over social media ... and it's all getting REALLY good.

Clearly, de Blasio thinks his Knicks can back up all the talk, though ... he continued to Trae during his rant Tuesday, "I think the Knicks are going to teach you a lesson."

The sports world is honoring George Floyd on the one-year anniversary of his death .... with the NFL and NBA releasing powerful messages on continuing to fight for change throughout the country.

Both leagues paid tribute to Floyd and his family with statements on Tuesday -- acknowledging the work that has been done since he was murdered by a Minneapolis PD officer on May 25, 2020 ... and calling for more action.

"One year ago, the killing of George Floyd advanced a global reckoning around systemic racism and inspired a movement for social justice," The NBA said in a statement.

"Today, and every day, members of the NBA family stand united in working for change and a future that provides true equality."

The NFL added ... "As we mark one year since the murder of George Floyd, our thoughts are with the Floyd family and all who have been affected by his death."

"This has been a year filled with reflection and reckoning, one that has renewed our commitment to build and strengthen our communities. The work for equitable justice must continue and the NFL and its clubs are proud to work alongside NFL players to build a more just society."

The NFL also shared a video of stars like Texans safety Justin Reid and Saints linebacker Demario Davis, who reflected on the tragedy and the protests that followed.

Floyd's death sparked massive movements in both leagues over the past year ... with the NBA adding the words "Black Lives Matter" on the courts for the remainder of the 2020 season ... and allowing players to wear social justice messages on the backs of their jerseys.

The NFL followed by adding the words "end racism" and "it takes all of us" on the fields ... and allowing players to honor people impacted by police brutality by wearing the names of victims of their helmets.

The NBA says LeBron James was not blocked from playing after violating the league's COVID protocol because officials decided he was NOT a risk to spread the virus.

In fact, the league says investigators determined everyone who was allowed at the May 17 event for LeBron's tequila company -- the event that triggered the violation -- was either vaccinated or tested negative for COVID before being admitted.

The event was attended by some massive celebrities including Michael B. Jordan and Drake.

There was some outrage after the league announced LeBron had attended the event -- with some calling for the NBA superstar to serve a mandatory quarantine before being allowed on the court out of fear he could infect someone else ... especially since he refuses to publicly confirm or deny if he's been vaccinated.

But, the NBA says there's nothing to fear ...

"LeBron James briefly attended an outdoor event last week where participants were required to be vaccinated or return a negative test result," a league spokesperson said Monday,

"Under these circumstances and in consultation with medical experts, it was determined that his attendance did not create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine was necessary."

The NBA also says LeBron did NOT receive special treatment because he's a superstar.

"Over the course of this season, there have been numerous similar violations of the league's Health and Safety Protocols, which were addressed with the player's team in a similar fashion."

Then, the league added this line ... which makes it sound like Bron HAS been vaccinated.

"Under current NBA rules, vaccinated players are permitted to engage in outside activities including their individual commercial arrangements, such as sponsor appearances or ad shoots."

Regrets, he's had a few ...

Malik Beasley has issued a public apology to his wife and son -- after he ditched the family for a fling with Larsa Pippen in late 2020.

"I wana say sorry for putting you in the situation you were put in the last few months," the 24-year-old NBA player wrote to Montana Yao on Instagram ... "my head wasn’t were it was supposed to be."

As we previously reported, Yao felt "blindsided" by photos of her husband holding hands with 46-year-old Larsa Pippen during a Nov. 23 outing in Miami.

Yao -- who married Beasley in March 2020 -- filed for divorce in December. They have a 2-year-old son, Makai, together.

Around the time she filed for divorce, Montana ripped Malik on social media ... saying she and her son were "told to leave our family home 10 days ago and just like you all I'm pretty confused."

She continued, "There have been no public or private addressing of the situation nor any type of apology."

Now, seems Beasley is finally ready to reconcile ... and though he never mentions Larsa by name in his IG post, it's obvious he's referring to her.

"I was looking for more when it was right here that whole time," Beasley said ... "I’m telling the world and you that there’s no body like you for me."

Beasley also claims he was the one who broke things off with Larsa -- saying, "For the record I was the one who ended my last relationship off the fact that there is no one like you."

He added, "Also for the record i wanted to do my own ish cuz I just left u guys and I def ain’t the type to set up pictures at the mall n ish .. as that’s some childish ish and I’m trying to grow individually and grow a family .. a real family."

Beasley says he's not "looking to be judged I’m looking for forgiveness."

"To forgive me for hurting my family the way I did. At the end of the day I’m a lover boy and I miss holding y’all and loving y’all.. I love you mu shi .. I love you kai Kai. My family over thing."

Question now ... is the apology coming too little, too late? Or will Montana take him back?

Stephen Curry's incredible Bruce Lee-inspired kicks just sold for more than $62,000 at an auction ... and the proceeds are going to families affected by recent anti-Asian hate crimes.

Remember, the Golden State Warriors superstar rocked the custom pair of his signature Curry 8s against the Atlanta Hawks last month ... as a tribute to the martial arts legend and to show solidarity with the Asian community.

Curry promised to part ways with the special sneaks to help the families of the 8 victims who were killed in the Atlanta shooting on March 16 ... and on Saturday, they sold for an impressive $62,730 at Goldin Auctions!!!

The kicks are dope -- Curry partnered up with the Bruce Lee Foundation for the shoes ... which feature amazing portraits on each shoe of Lee and his family.

Curry recently explained his decision to channel the legend at the time ... applauding what Lee "stood for in terms of unifying people, speaking on the collective harmony of everybody from different backgrounds, different races but especially his Asian heritage."

"I think he has a lot of quotes and just narratives and themes that he spoke of consistently that still ring true today and I know his foundation do a lot to live that out, to impact people's lives and continue to spark change."

Lee's daughter, Shannon, was honored by the former MVP's tribute ... saying the gesture was a "beautiful example of allyship and solidarity in action."

Nobody loved Trae Young's game-winner more than his dad ... because Pops celebrated his son's huge feat like a little kid -- and the awesome reaction was all caught on video!!!

Just seconds after the Atlanta Hawks superstar plunged a dagger into the Knicks by hitting a floater with .09 ticks on the clock ... Trae's father, Rayford Young, called out to his boy.

"Trae! Trae!" Rayford yelled.

And, as soon as Trae acknowledged the love -- Rayford went crazy!!!

Check out the clip ... Dad couldn't have been more proud -- smiling, laughing, slapping hands with friends and family, and even letting out a "f*** yeah!" scream!!!

Trae, of course, loved the moment too ... because after he had been serenaded with "f*** Trae Young" chants all game long -- he let the crowd at Madison Square Garden have it as well!

He shushed them and then screamed, "It's quiet in here!"

Cameras caught him talkin' more smack on his way back into the locker room after the 107-105 win, too ... with Trae saying, "It got real quiet in there!"

It was a HUGE night for Young -- playing in his first-ever playoff game, he scored 32 points and logged 10 assists and 7 rebounds.

Lamar Odom says his boxing match with Aaron Carter will last shorter than a TikTok video ... telling TMZ Sports he's gonna knock out the former pop star in the FIRST ROUND!!!

As we previously reported, the NBA champ has been CRUSHING it in the gym leading up to his June 12 bout with the "I Want Candy" crooner ... looking as polished as ever during training session vids.

We spoke with 41-year-old Odom ahead of the big fight in Atlantic City ... and he's basically saying folks won't wanna blink -- 'cause it'll be over in a flash.

"It's not gon' be a fight," Odom tells us. "It ain't gon' be a fight."

We asked if Odom will be able to handle AC in the first round ... and the dude is confident as hell he won't even need the full 1 minute and 30 seconds to get the win.

"Yeah. Probably, I would say the first minute."

Odom's had a lot going for him recently -- he just debuted his film, "Reborn," which details his use of psychedelic medicines to bounce back from addiction and anxiety.

Odom tells us how he's been recovering from his 2015 overdose ... saying, "Well you gotta put God first, your higher power first, before you do anything."

He adds his great friend Kobe Bryant is still inspiring him every day to strive for greatness ... adding "Family, my children. That's the reason why I'm living. It's just me sharing my 'Mamba Mentality' moment."

"That's the quest of being the best version of myself. In search of that."

Lakers guard Ben McLemore was involved a single-car accident in the hours following his team's huge win over the Warriors ... but, thankfully, he was uninjured -- TMZ Sports has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us sometime Thursday morning -- shortly after the Lakers beat the Warriors in their play-in game Wednesday night -- cops responded to a 911 call for an accident in Playa Vista, Calif.

We're told when officers arrived on the scene, they found McLemore and his crashed Ford truck ... and conducted a field sobriety test.

Sources say the 28-year-old, though, passed all their tests and did NOT appear to be drunk.

We're told McLemore explained to officers he had accidentally hit the gas instead of the brakes and crashed into a gate arm.

McLemore -- who had no injuries -- was not arrested and not issued any sort of ticket, we're told.

The former Kansas star played in 21 games for the Lakers this season ... averaging 8.0 points per contest.

He did not play in the team's win over Golden State due to a coach's decision.

Kyle Kuzma appears to have found the PERFECT way to avoid NBA playoff prep stress -- his smokin' hot GF, a tiny bikini and a beautiful backyard!!

The Lakers star hit up somewhere with really nice weather with his model GF, Winnie Harlow, on Friday ... and you can tell by the pic the couple shared -- there's no basketball stress here!

Despite the Lakers coming into the postseason as the #7 seed and under immense pressure to repeat as champs ... Kuzma clearly ain't doing any hand-wringing ahead of the games.

Check out the photo he and Winnie posted ... she looks great, he looks happy -- and yeah, what pressure again???

Kuzma won't be asked to do too much while LeBron James and Anthony Davis shoulder most of the load for the Lake Show ... but he's still going to have to play well for L.A. to make another run to the title.

LeBron James says he was damn near BLIND during his game-winning shot Wednesday night ... explaining to reporters his eye injury had him seeing "3 rims!"

The Lakers superstar had been poked in the left peeper just minutes before he uncorked a 3-pointer to beat the Warriors in their play-in game at Staples ... and Bron said the injury was so bad, he barely had any vision when he pulled up for the big shot.

"The first thing I did when KCP kicked it out, I looked at the shot clock," LeBron told reporters after his team's huge 103-100 victory.

"The second thing I saw was three rims from being poked in the eye on that previous possession when I drove to the hole and then in transition. So, I just aimed for the middle one."

The shot was incredible -- it was about 5 feet beyond the 3-point line -- and when ya factor in the pressure AND what his face had just gone through ... it's pretty big time.

Even Drake loved it!!!

As for the injury going forward, LeBron was clearly fortunate to have escaped serious issues ... 'cause after he was jabbed by Draymond Green on the possession prior to the game-winner, things did NOT look good for L.A. or its superstar.

But, LeBron -- with his eye clearly watering and swelling -- said after the game he expects to be all right as the Lakers move on into the playoffs.

For the first time in more than 2 months, Deshaun Watson has posted on social media to remind everyone he's still an elite NFL quarterback.

... and yeah, he looks good.

The last time we heard from DW was on Twitter back on March 16 -- when he posted a statement to try and get ahead of the sexual misconduct allegations that were coming down the pike.

Watson denied wrongdoing and proclaimed his innocence -- saying, "I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect."

He added, "This isn't about money for me -- it’s about clearing my name, and I look forward to doing that."

After that, the Houston Texans QB went radio silent -- and his attorney, Rusty Hardin, has been doing all the talking ever since.

But, as the NFL season draws closer, Watson is clearly trying to remind teams -- including the Texans -- that he's still focused on football and ready to play.

There are a few issues ... the NFL is still investigating the sexual misconduct allegations against Watson from more than 20 accusers who say the QB crossed a line during what were supposed to be routine massage therapy sessions.

If the league finds he violated the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, he could be suspended -- which could make teams nervous about trading for him.

This is getting VERY interesting ...

Matt Barnes wants to settle his feud with Kwame Brown once and for all ... saying he's had enough of the Internet smack talk and wants to meet in person -- AND HE'S READY TO THROW HANDS!!!

Barnes is clapping back after the 2001 #1 overall pick has gone on a tirade this week ... saying he's caving in and giving Brown the attention he wanted.

"Kwame Brown, brother Brown, you've been ranting for about 5 days now," Barnes said Wednesday. "Your cry for help, your need for attention worked."

"I heard your Instagram following has grown over 30,000 the last handful of days since you had my d*** -- I mean, my name -- in your mouth."

Barnes gives Brown a personal invite to join his podcast to clear the air ... saying, "You got a story to tell obviously. You're hurt. Like I said, you can play it off with humor, but you're hurt and I get it. But, come on the show."

"Talk that s***, tell your story face-to-face."

But, Barnes is prepared to do much more than talking -- saying he's down to scrap with Brown to squash the beef.

"If me and you gotta box before, during or after and shake hands to get this s*** done, you know I'm always with the s***."

Remember, Brown went for Barnes' jugular earlier this week, saying, "The only joke you got is about basketball, I got a joke about your life, you punk bitch" ... referencing Barnes' infamous incident with Derek Fisher in 2015.

He also referred to Barnes as "Becky with the good hair" among other insults.

Now, it appears the two guys can settle things with their hands ... that is, if Brown is down for it.

Tristan Thompson's had it with the woman insisting he's the father of her baby, despite a DNA test he says proves otherwise ... so he wants to make her pay.

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ ... the NBA baller's seeking a default judgment against Kimberly Alexander -- the paternity accuser he sued for libel last year.

Thompson wants the judge to hit Alexander with $100k in damages plus additional costs, claiming the allegations seriously hurt his reputation.

In the docs, Tristan says he's a proud, loving and providing father to 2 children, and he claims Alexander's false accusations potentially cost him endorsement deals because companies and brands viewed him as a troubled athlete.

Thompson insists that if Alexander's child was his he would have taken his parental duties seriously, but again ... he claims a paternity test proved he's not.

BTW, as we previously told you, Tristan's acknowledged he did have sex with Alexander, but says it was years before she alleges and long before he was dating Khloe Kardashian.

"Unfortunately, l can’t wear them no more. It’s not possible after what happened in the game."

Los Angeles Lakers star Dennis Schroder says he's DONE rocking Kyrie Irving's signature shoes ... explaining it's all 'cause the two got into a spat during a game last month.

You'll recall ... Schroder and Brooklyn's star point guard went after each other in the third quarter of the Lakers-Nets tilt on April 10 -- getting into a HEATED argument on the court.

The two got in each others' faces so heavily, they were eventually ejected ... and afterward, Irving appeared to accuse Schroder of calling him the n-word.

"The N-word is a derogatory slur!" Irving said on Twitter, before adding, "Throw that N-word out the window, right alongside all of those other racist words used to describe my people."

The drama had appeared to have died down after that ... but it's clear, Schroder is still holding a grudge several weeks later.

The 27-year-old made a YouTube video this week revealing his insane shoe collection ... and when it came time to show off his pairs of Kyries -- he vowed to never wear them again.

"Kyrie Irving -- I have a lot of his shoes," said Schroder, who went on to say he has between 30-to-40 pairs of Irving's kicks. "Unfortunately, l can't wear them no more. It's not possible after what happened in the game"

"I can not do it. Not going to wear it again."

Schroder says he's now going to do a giveaway to unload his Kyries ... explaining all of it will be shipped off to fans who reach out.

"I'll donate," Schroder said, "so text me."

Matt Barnes was a tough guy on the court, but he's looking to make people laugh it off ... with the ex-NBA forward landing his own comedy series with Showtime!!!

41-year-old Barnes has reportedly struck a deal with the TV network and Lionsgate to develop "The Education of Matt Barnes," a half-hour scripted comedy series loosely based on his life postretirement, according to Deadline.

The show will be a "story of how a single dad from Encino balances home, business, activism and relationships while navigating the temptations of the celebrity-centric, Instagram and TikTok universe of LA," the report says.

The project is backed by writer and creator Matt Pyken, who most notably worked on "Empire" ... and "Blackish" director Pete Chatmon is on board for the pilot.

Remember, Barnes told us back in 2017 he had big plans in the entertainment industry ... and the dude wasn't kidding -- he'll act as co-executive producer alongside the Tannenbaum Company for the project.

There will be plenty of storylines to use from Barnes' memorable 14-year career in the NBA ... as well as his life as a father of 3 kids.