NBA

The Larry O'Brien Trophy is coming back to Milwaukee after a 50-year drought -- Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks just eliminated the Phoenix Suns to win the NBA championship!!

The Greek Freak was nothing short of insane on the court during Game 6 on Tuesday ... earning 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks. He also went 17-19 from the charity stripe.

The Suns kept it a close game -- the final was 105 to 98 ... but the Greek Freak and Co. proved to be too much for PHX.

The Deer District -- the fan zone outside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee -- went absolutely insane as their beloved team won it all ... jumping up and down and chanting for the new champs.

The win all but certainly cements Giannis' spot in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame -- the 2-time regular season MVP scored over 40 points in 3 of the 6 games in the series.

Giannis finished with an average of 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5 assists and shot 62% from the field on the series.

Of course, with those kind of numbers, Giannis was the obvious choice for Finals MVP -- the first of his career.

It's a devastating loss for Suns superstar guard Chris Paul ... who was just 2 games away from winning his first ring.

The celebration is just getting started in Milwaukee ... so be sure to check back for all the (probably) drunken debauchery in the morning.

Adele is reportedly back on the dating scene, but it's not with one of her music contemporaries ... supposedly, it's someone in the sports world -- LeBron James' sports world, to be exact.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst dropped the bombshell on his 'Lowe Post' podcast Saturday night ... shortly after the Bucks beat the Suns for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. It was a star-studded game in the stands -- and featured none other than Adele, sitting next to LeBron's agent, Rich Paul ... a dude who's usually behind the scenes, but is a major NBA power broker.

Windhorst was describing the atmosphere and the famous faces in the crowd -- and when he got to LeBron and Rich, he didn't even pretend to play coy with who he says Adele is as it relates to Rich. By that, we mean he straight-up referred to her as his full-blown girlfriend.

Adele was photographed getting cozy next to Rich during the game -- but there were no obvious signs of PDA to indicate a relationship. In fact, before Windhorst said this ... we'd argue no one even thought anything of the seating arrangement. But, this is ... WOW!

Neither party has confirmed the relationship -- we got calls into both of their camps, no word back yet -- but knowing how plugged in Brian is with all things NBA ... something tells us there may be some truth to this. The pro he is, he wouldn't just drop this without some insight ... which he, perhaps, assumed was safe to talk about since they went "public," as he puts it. Sounds like this is something that's been known in NBA circles for a minute.

IF true, it might be one of the more surprising pairings we've seen in a while. Adele's been rumored to have dated Drake, Skepta and even Harry Styles at one point last year. Remember, she is newly single following the finalization of her divorce from ex, Simon.

LeBron James isn't playing in the NBA Finals, but he's definitely playing AT them ... as he was spotted chilling courtside in Phoenix ... with a full bottle of Tequila!!! Hardcore playing.

King James was quite the sight Saturday night during Game 5 -- he had the bottle of booze between his legs, sitting on the court. Fans know LeBron typically gets his way on the court, but this seemed ridiculous. Ever try bringing your own liquor into a game? Don't.

Of course, if you're LeBron it's a different story, and the bottle of Lobos 1707 was more for business than drunken fun, we're guessing.

As we've reported ... LBJ and several other NBA players are investors in the brand. There's a reason the Lakers star had the label out toward cameras. Smart business, man.

His teammate Anthony Davis and Warriors star Draymond Green are also investors in the booze.

LeBron's pal, Chris Paul, and the Phoenix Suns lost the game and now trail 3-2 in the series -- but LeBron came out the winner off the court.

And yeah, he probably enjoyed a shot or 2 himself to celebrate "Space Jam: A New Legacy" hitting theaters.

Lamar Odom is on the hook for a huge chunk 'o change after allegedly missing the payments on an SUV ... at least according to the lender, who's now suing over it.

U.S. Bank Leasing just sued Khloe Kardashian's ex claiming he owes back payments on a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. In docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, the lender claims he hasn't made his monthly $668.40 payment since February 15, 2020.

U.S. Bank claims it sent Lamar a letter demanding payment or surrender of the SUV but he's failed to do so.

So now ... U.S. Bank claims Lamar owes a cool $35,116.76. They want the car back or, if they can’t get it, then the money. We've reached out to Lamar for comment, no word back.

This is just the latest drama in Lamar's personal life. As we reported ... Lamar said on "The Megan Pormer Show" things with Tristan Thompson "could have turned ugly" when they beefed over a steamy pic from Khloe ... but, thankfully, cooler heads prevailed.

For the uninitiated ... LO left a "hottie" comment on Khloe's outdoor shower pic. Wasn't long before Tristan responded with a not-so-veiled threat ... while bringing up Lamar's nearly-fatal OD.

Ever seen a dude jump so high during a dunk that he injured his face on the rim???

Well, now ya have ... 'cause NBA draft prospect Jericho Sims did just that Tuesday night -- and video of the scene is absolutely WILD!!!

Sims was warming up to try to put on a show for scouts at this week's Klutch Sports Pro Day ... when he elevated so high for a dunk, his eye came down and scraped the rim.

Check out the footage, the 22-year-old former Texas Longhorns star was a legit FOOT above the goal before his head came crashing down on the iron ... and he had to wipe away at his face afterward to try to stop the pain.

Don't worry ... Sims ended up being just fine -- and he went on to prove to NBA execs throughout the evening his hops are seriously no joke.

In fact, NBA superstar Ja Morant was so impressed with the guy ... he even tweeted a shocked reaction to the throwdown!!!

The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward -- who averaged 9.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as a senior in 2021 -- was not initially thought to be a potential first-round pick later this month ... but he's shown so much athleticism in pre-draft workouts, pundits are now rethinking that idea.

Forget watching the Tokyo Olympics at a bar -- Scottie Pippen is offering fans a WAY cooler watch party option ... his own Chicago home!!!

TMZ Sports has learned the former NBA star is renting out his pad for 3 one-night stays in August to a max of four people to have Olympics watch parties -- and the spot is amazing!

We're told Scottie's home features an indoor basketball court AND an outdoor one ... and also has an arcade and a SWEET pool.

Pippen's place also promises a stacked kitchen ... filled with fresh fruit, veggies and Scottie's favorite pregame and game-time meals (AKA steak and potatoes).

Oh, and the place even comes with a whole movie theater to catch all of the Olympic events!

We're told Pippen's hookin' up his guests with theater footage of the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics as well ... with exclusive access to his Olympic memorabilia.

Of course, the Hall of Famer won't be there for the stays -- but we're told Scottie will give a virtual welcome check-in ... and his spot comes with staff available on-call too.

The coolest part of the experience? It only costs $92 per night via the special Airbnb offer -- a tip of the cap to the 1992 year that Scottie won his gold medal.

Turns out Lamar Odom ain't a one-and-done fighter ... 'cause the ex-NBA star is stepping back in the squared circle.

Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman tells TMZ Sports the 41-year-old ex-Laker signed a new contract on Friday ... and will be fighting on October 10.

Of course, 6'10" Odom beat the brakes off Aaron Carter last month ... stopping the childhood pop sensation in the 2nd round.

Feldman tells us they're still looking for Lamar's opponent ... and are hoping a big celeb will step up and accept the challenge.

Odom previously told us boxing has been therapeutic for him ... helping him get back in tip-top shape following his near-death experience at The Bunny Ranch in Nevada.

LO isn't the only star fighting on the 10th... we're told former boxing stars Riddick Bowe (no opponent yet) and Paulie Malignaggi (he's fighting social media star Corey B) are also on the card.

Bowe was a huge deal back in the day ... earning the undisputed heavyweight title in 1992.

The Bucks and Suns are both competing for a title for the first time in forever this season ... which means it's time to introduce the new wives and girlfriends of the NBA Finals!!

Of course, everyone knows Suns superstar Devin Booker’s boo, Kendall Jenner -- the couple went public about their relationship just a few months ago, but they did a bad job of keeping their love a secret over the past year.

While that's still considered a relatively new relationship, 8-time All-Star Chris Paul and his wife, Jada, are going a decade strong ... and hoping to celebrate a different kinda ring this postseason.

Former #1 overall pick Deandre Ayton has been playing out of his mind and making his presence known this season ... and his girl, Anissa Evans, has been his biggest fan for all his breakout performances.

As for the Bucks, they may not have any Kardashian ties ... but center Brook Lopez and his lady Hailee Strickland are one hot couple ... and Jeff Teague's girlfriend, Tyrina Lee, will be giving him motivation!

We can't forget about 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo -- he has some most valuable love from his longtime bae, Mariah Riddlesprigger!!

Tristan Thompson appears to have beef with Lamar Odom ... and Khloe Kardashian is smack in the middle of things.

Here's the deal ... Khloe posted an Instagram photo Friday showing her taking an outdoor shower in a skimpy bikini, and Lamar complimented her in the comments, telling her she's a "hottie" ... a response Tristan's not taking kindly.

Tristan tagged Lamar in the comments and then seemed to loft a threat his way, writing ... "@lamarodom God brought you back the first time. Play if you want, different results 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️"

The comment is obviously referring to Lamar's infamous 2015 drug overdose at a Nevada brothel, which nearly killed the former NBA stud.

As you know ... Tristan's got a child with Khloe, but she's got a long history with Lamar. Khloe and Odom were married from 2009 to 2016 and they had their own reality show, "Khloe & Lamar."

Tristan and Khloe recently called it quits (again) after allegations of cheating (again) ... but he wished her happy birthday last month on his IG and often comments on her posts.

The guy who allegedly broke into a Lamborghini dealership and jacked NBA guard Terrence Ross' expensive whip has been arrested and charged ... and turns out, cops say the suspect is a 16-year-old kid.

As we previously reported, Ross' Lambo Urus -- a fancy SUV that starts at $220k -- was stolen from the Fields Motorcars of Florida dealership last month ... and the car ended up wrecked in Maitland, about 10 miles outside Orlando.

TMZ Sports has learned ... a male teen was charged with Burglary of a Structure and 3rd Degree Grand Theft after a month-long investigation ... with officials saying they identified the suspect via key witnesses and security footage.

Cops say the suspect crashed a gray Dodge Dart into the dealership around 1 AM to get Ross' key fob, hopped in his whip and drove off. Officials say the Dart was later reported stolen and found at a nearby business.

According to the police, Ross' Lambo was spotted cruising through Orange County around 3 AM ... and just a few hours later, cops received the call that Ross' SUV had crashed into a building in Maitland.

Remember, Ross was devastated to hear the news ... posting a video explaining what he had heard about the incident.

But, the good news?? Ross is rich (he's reportedly made more than $67 million in his career) ... but the hooper can still rest easy knowing cops got the person they believe is responsible for swiping the car.

We see London, we see France ... we see SHAQ'S UNDERPANTS!!!

Shaquille O'Neal is out to prove the quarantine look is still in style ... with the NBA legend going business up top, nothing on the bottom for a live TV segment!!

Of course, we've all been there at some point in the pandemic ... but the Hall of Famer had no problem showing off his skivvies while on air for NBA TV Thursday night.

The Big Aristotle had just finished his final segment of the 2021 season after the Suns beat the Bucks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals ... and decided to celebrate by hopping up and dancing like crazy!!

The 7'1", 330-lb. big man even pulled a Petey Pablo by taking his blazer off, twistin' it around his hand and spinnin' it like a helicopter.

O'Neal even started doing jumping jacks ... later admitting it made him "tired as hell."

The moment is hilarious ... and even his fellow "Inside the NBA" analyst pal, Kenny "The Jet" Smith, had to get in on the party -- although it appears he was fully clothed.

Hey, Shaq and Kenny deserve the break -- as Smith points out, it was basically 2 NBA seasons back to back, thanks to the pandemic.

Ex-NBA superstar Dwyane Wade is paying his respects to the victims of the devastating Surfside condo building collapse on Thursday ... getting emotional and meeting with those participating in search and recovery efforts.

The Miami Heat legend visited the memorial fence set up to honor the 60 victims of the collapse ... leaving a touching message of support for those grieving.

"Sending prayer, love, strength and healing ..." Wade etched on the memorial ... adding his autograph and "Miami Heat" underneath.

The future Hall of Famer -- who's beloved in South Florida -- was moved by the visit ... putting his hand to his face as he's overcome with emotion.

Wade also gave an inspiring speech to the South Florida Urban Search and Rescue team on Thursday ... thanking them for their service and stepping up to help after the incident.

Of course, there have been several Miami pro athletes showing support following the tragedy -- from Heat guard Tyler Herro to Dolphins players Jaylen Waddle and Jerome Baker and more joining the effort to help those affected over the past few weeks.

Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Julius "Dr. J" Erving are 3 of the greatest hoopers ever ... and now a super-rare basketball card produced 40 years ago is on the auction block ... and could rake in over $500k!!

The 1980-1981 Topps Scoring Leader card features the Celtics, 76ers, and Lakers stars in-game action ... and is currently on the block at SCP Auctions.

The card itself is incredibly valuable ... but it's the pristine condition that makes this particular version worth the price of a nice house.

The card graders at PSA scored the cardboard a perfect 10 -- mint condition -- making it 1 of only 24 copies known to exist, according to SCP.

The auction kicked off a few weeks ago ... with a starting bid price of $150,000. There have already been 7 bids placed ... with the high bid coming in at $354k!!

The auction doesn't end until Friday ... and you can bet the price will jump significantly before the clock runs out.

Too rich for your blood?? SCP also has a Michael Jordan game-worn Chicago Bulls jersey from his rookie season in 1984.

That's expected to sell for $150k ... which feels like a bargain.

Kobe Bryant's legacy will live on at the Tokyo Olympics ... with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum honoring the late NBA Hall of Famer by wearing #10 for Team USA.

Of course, Kobe is one of the greatest players to suit up for the Red, White and Blue ... winning gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Games.

Tatum -- who Bryant mentored in the years prior to his tragic death -- is set to wear the same digits as his idol as the United States prepares to win its 4th-straight Olympics this month ... a tribute he holds close to his heart.

"With this being the first Olympics since we lost him, it holds that much more value," Tatum told the AP. "It’s not something I take lightly."

As it turns out, #10 is Tatum's favorite number ... and it all had to do with his obsession with being like the Black Mamba.

"I remember that first team when I was hoping, wishing, that I got #10," Tatum said. "Kobe, everyone knows that was my favorite player. I was 15 years old and got to wear the number of my favorite player. It just felt like I had some level of connection with him."

Matt Barnes has officially "buried the hatchet" with his ex-nemesis, Derek Fisher ... saying he's totally cool with the L.A. Sparks head coach after their infamous backyard brawl.

Of course, the two ex-NBA ballers nearly broke the internet back in 2015 ... when Barnes punched Fisher in the mouth for dating his ex-wife, Gloria Govan, and being around his kids without his knowledge.

The moment got so big, even Kanye West mentioned the incident in his track "30 Hours."

But now, Barnes says he's actually made up with D-Fish ... and explains there are two major reasons why it's so important to have a cordial relationship with him.

"To me, it’s about raising these twins the best we possibly can and co-parenting," Barnes told the Portal A's "Charges With Rex Chapman" podcast.

"So, now he and I are cool, on the same page, we communicate and see each other when we’re at events. They’ve been to my house for the twins’ birthday. I’ve been to their place."

Barnes understands the legendary story will always be a thing, but wants to clear the air about people claiming Fisher "stole my chick."

"Like he started dating my ex-wife," Barnes says. "That’s what it was. He didn’t steal s*** from me. What I’m tripping off is you’re in my house that I pay for with my kids and you didn’t tell me."

As we previously reported, Gloria told us back in 2018 there would be NO WAY Barnes would be invited to her wedding with Fisher (BTW -- their ceremony was delayed due to COVID-19).