NBA

UFC fighter Ryan Spann trains at the gym owned by ex-NBA star Deron Williams ... and the light heavyweight contender once sparred with the hooper -- AND GOT HIS BUTT KICKED!!

"Deron whooped my ass one day. I'm dead serious. You can call him and ask him," Spann told TMZ Sports.

Context? We talked to the 30-year-old, 6'5", 205 lb. fighter just days before he's set to face 6th ranked LHW, Anthony Smith ... and we asked the 11th ranked fighter if he ever rolled around with 6'3" Williams at their gym, Fortis MMA in Dallas.

"I was training for a fight, and coach was like, 'Deron, get in.' And, I already knew he hooped, and I knew who he was, but I never got to go with him," Ryan said, "I think it was my 2nd or my 3rd round with a fresh body, and you put Deron in, I was like, 'Oh s**t, nice, I get a round off.' Little did I know Deron used to wrestle. And, he was about 230 at the time."

FYI, Williams was a damn good wrestler as a kid. Long before he starred at Illinois, was drafted with the 3rd overall pick, or made any All-NBA teams, Deron was a state champion on the mats in Texas. He won titles as an 8 and 12 year old ('93 & '97).

So, Ryan and the 3x NBA All-Star sparred. How'd it go?!

"It wasn't until Deron was on top of me and me struggling to get up, and coach gonna look at me and say 'I've been working with him for the last couple of years. You thought you were gonna get this round off?'"

Shocking, on the surface, considering Spann is one of the most dangerous men in the world ... meanwhile DW, surely a good wrestler as a kid and great athlete in general, is a basketball player -- not a fighter.

Then it was time for a little payback ... in the form of a knuckle sandwich.

"He got me, but the next round I hit him with the right hand and he hasn't sparred me since."

So, would Deron -- who's only 37-years-old and hasn't played ball professionally since he was with the Cleveland Cavs in 2017 -- ever take a real fight??

Ryan says Deron was once pitched a fight with Pro Bowl defensive lineman turned UFC fighter Greg Hardy (we actually talked to Deron about this in 2018) ... but unfortunately, the scrap never came together.

Ben Simmons does NOT have a problem with his jumper -- it's a CONFIDENCE issue -- so says NBA and BIG 3 sharp-shooter Joe Johnson, who tells TMZ Sports the Sixers guard will be just fine.

Simmons has struggled to find his rhythm with jump shots since entering the league in 2016 -- most recently, he was criticized for going 35% from the charity stripe and averaging 9.9 points a game in the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks.

Not ideal for a former #1 overall pick ... but Iso Joe -- who's known for his clutch shooting -- isn't worried at all, saying he knows the 25-year-old will find his way.

"I honestly don't think nothing's wrong with it," Johnson tells us. "You see him playing pickup basketball shooting jumpers, fadeaways, threes ... so we all know it's there."

It's true -- Ben put in work with Rajon Rondo earlier this offseason ... where he was recorded on video drilling threes.

"He just has to take that same confidence that he has in pickup and translate it into an NBA game," Johnson adds. "That's it. You're gonna miss and make shots, you can't care about the misses. He's just got to continue to take them."

Johnson says the talent is clearly not the problem ... but when BS takes the court, he's got to remember that he's that dude.

Ex-NBA star Tyson Chandler and his wife, Kimberly Chandler, are going their separate ways ... TMZ Sports has learned Kimberly filed for divorce this week.

Kimberly, according to court documents, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The two had been married for 16 years and separated in August.

Kimberly often posted pictures of her and the former basketball player on social media during their relationship ... recently showing off a photo of the two from their trip to Coachella in 2016.

"#ItWasAVibe," Kimberly said in the caption with the photo. "#MyLoverAndMe."

The couple has three children -- a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son and another 11-year-old daughter -- from their time together.

In the docs, Kimberly stated she was seeking spousal support ... as well as joint custody of the kids.

The teammates that star in rap music videos together ... win championships together???

That's what Laker fans gotta be hoping ... after LeBron James and Russell Westbrook made big cameos in rap legend Nas' newest visuals for his song, "Brunch on Sundays."

The vid dropped Tuesday (the rapper's 48th birthday) ... showing Nas enjoying a meal at Catch LA with a VIP group of successful artists, athletes and actors -- from Cordae to Hit-Boy to Swizz Beatz and Lil Rel Howery.

Of course, LeBron is a HUUUUGE rap fan ... and has consistently praised the New York MC's latest project, "King's Disease II," on social media since it dropped in August.

It might explain why Bron got the best seat at the table -- right next to Nas as the group enjoys eggs, sushi, mimosas, fries, steak and other delicious items.

Nas commented on the video after it was released ... saying, "Bday Brunch Vibes with my guys."

No word on when the vid was shot, but LBJ and Brodie have been tight way before they became teammates this summer.

But, now that they're both in Purple & Gold, don't be surprised if these sorta things keep happening.

LeBron James is celebrating 8 years of marital bliss with his wife, Savannah, on Tuesday ... by penning her an anniversary love note and sharing some amazing wedding photos.

LBJ posted a fairytale-like moment from their 2013 San Diego wedding on his IG ... showing the lovely couple kissing on a balcony with fireworks in the sky.

"Our own personal Met Gala 8 years ago," James said on the post, "Happy Anniversary Queen!!"

They definitely looked like a King and Queen -- LeBron was dripped out in a sharp black and white tux with Savannah flawlessly wearing an elegant gown with a veil in her updo hairstyle.

"Who am I w/o you in my corner, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Love you," James said.

Savannah also wrote a note to her hubby ... "Happy Anniversary to my forever scary movie partner, my forever feet warmer, the Capricorn to my Virgo, my bestie, my babe!!!"

"8 years down, forever to go! Love you deep!"

The 36-year-old Lakers star has been with Savannah before it all began -- starting as high school sweethearts back in Akron, OH.

The couple got married in 2013 and have three kids, Bronny Jr, Bryce and Zhuri ... and are the true definition of couple goals.

Cedric Ceballos says he's now COVID-free ... but there's bad news, he's still far from 100 percent -- explaining Monday he's still in the ICU with serious breathing issues.

Ceballos -- the 1992 NBA Dunk Contest champ -- posted a photo of himself in the ICU last Tuesday ... saying COVID-19 was "officially kicking my butt."

The 52-year-old asked for fans to pray for his recovery ... and on Monday, he announced he's now testing negative for COVID.

But, Ceballos clearly ain't out of the woods yet, 'cause he said the effects of the virus are still wreaking havoc on his body.

"I still CAN NOT breathe, walk or function on my own yet (so PLEASE no phone calls, it’s to much work and hard to understand me)," the former Los Angeles Lakers player said on his social media pages.

"I am out of isolation, due to not having covid, but still in ICU, I will still fight and I ask for uplifting on your end."

Ceballos added, "Continue to be nice to one another and I pray we will talk soon."

Ceballos -- who's received prayers from everyone from Paul George to the NBA itself while battling the coronavirus -- played 11 seasons in the Association, and famously won the 1992 Slam Dunk Contest with an epic blindfold slam.

Good news for Toronto Raptors fans -- and Drake -- the team just announced they'll be playing at home in 2021 after using Tampa as their home court for 19 months!!

Last season, the Raptors had to relocate to Tampa and play their home games in Amalie Arena due to Canada's travel restrictions over COVID-19.

The team hasn't played in their Scotiabank Arena since Feb. 28, 2020 -- but just got the green light to play their preseason opener at home which starts on Oct. 4 against the Sixers.

The capacity limit is still up in the air and there is a COVID vaccination mandate.

"We are optimistic regarding our ability to host full capacity events at Scotiabank Arena," the team said.

"And as a reminder, all people wishing to access the arena — whether to attend an event as a spectator, or as a member of the media — will be required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19 or proof of a medical exemption."

The Raptors season opener is Oct. 20 against the Wizards and it will be in their city of Toronto.

Even the best basketball player on the planet screams for ice cream ... 'cause LeBron James couldn't help himself from devouring a cold treat while vacationing this week -- and TMZ Sports has the pics!!

36-year-old LBJ has been getting some R&R in Europe over the past week ... getting cozy with his wife, Savannah, and hanging with buddies in Italy -- even Elton John!!

Now, King James has found his way to France -- the town of Calvi in Corsica to be exact -- and stopped for a quick cone before hopping back on their lavish yacht to take off to their next destination.

Worth noting -- Bron's been loving the ScHoolboy Q bucket hat look during this trip ... and we're here for it!!

On top of the hat, James is sporting a blue-on-blue look ... and we know what you REALLY care about -- he's rocking some Nike Sacai x LDWaffle "Varsity Blue" sneakers, which are reselling for more than $600 right now on some sites.

Shaquille O'Neal is goin' at Ben Simmons yet again -- this time, the Big Diesel is putting the Sixers star on blast for requesting a trade out of Philly.

"Ben Simmons, you're not that good," the Hall of Famer said on The Big Podcast with Shaq.

"You're not great," he added ... before saying, "To be great, you have to work on your game. Don't be putting pictures on your Instagram of your Ferrari or what actress you're hanging around with."

Simmons has been heavily criticized -- including by Shaq himself -- ever since his performance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, when he scored just 5 points in a Game 7 loss.

In fact, things have gotten so bad, Simmons has reportedly requested a trade ... something Shaq clearly despises.

"When you play for a town like Philadelphia, Boston, L.A., Miami -- a hard-working town -- they don’t give a s*** about none of that," O'Neal said. "They want you to come, work hard and play hard."

Charles Barkley agreed with Shaq ... saying he, too, has been disappointed by what he's seen from Simmons over the past few months.

"When you give somebody $200 million to dribble a stupid basketball," Barkley said, "and the only thing you ask him is be better as a player, and their first response is, 'I don't want to play here anymore,' that disappoints me as a player. It disappoints me as a fan."

L.A. Clippers rookie Brandon Boston Jr. is paying tribute to his friend Terrence Clarke in an amazing way ... by getting a tattoo in honor of his teammate.

Boston and Clarke were inseparable as freshmen at the University of Kentucky this past season ... before both hoopers took their talents to the pro level and entered the 2021 NBA Draft.

However, Clarke was killed in a car accident in Los Angeles on April 22 -- three months before the draft -- and Boston had been training with him prior to the tragedy.

Boston decided to carry Clarke's legacy with him for the rest of his life ... and this week, he got a special ink job to honor his beloved friend.

The rookie guard shared the tribute on Wednesday --with tat artist Wix Tatts immortalizing Clarke's UK basketball photo on the lower left part of his leg ... featuring "TC World" under the image.

The finished product got Clarke's mother's stamp of approval ... with Osmine saying, "This is what you call real love."

"This tattoo is really amazing BJ!"

Many have paid tribute to the 19-year-old since the tragedy -- including NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who selected Clarke as an honorary pick in the 2021 draft.

Ex-NBA star Cedric Ceballos is asking everyone to pray for him ... revealing he's been hospitalized in the ICU, battling COVID-19.

The 1992 NBA dunk champ broke the troubling news Tuesday -- posting a photo of himself wearing an oxygen mask in a hospital bed on social media.

"On my 10th day in ICU, COVID-19 is officially kicking my butt!" Ceballos said.

"I am asking ALL family, friends, prayer warriors healers for your prayers and well wish for my recovery."

The small forward added, "If I have done and anything to you in the past, allow me to publicly apologize."

"My fight is not done!"

Ceballos -- a 2nd-round draft pick in 1990 -- played 11 seasons in the NBA for the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons and Miami Heat.

Cedric famously won the 1992 Slam Dunk ... with an epic blindfolded dunk. He also made the 1995 All-Star team. Ced averaged over 14 points and 5 rebounds during his NBA career.

After retiring from the NBA, he continued to hoop overseas and in other leagues across America.

The sports world -- from NBA to NFL stars -- has been showing love to the 52-year-old basketball star ... including Paul George who wrote, "keep fighting OG"

Rotimi says fear not, the "House Party" reboot is in good hands with LeBron James -- despite the less than stellar reviews for LBJ's take on 'Space Jam.'

The singer and "Power" star was cast in the new 'HP,' and he told us he's already shot his scenes. He gave us the lowdown about the vibe on set, and reassured fans of the 1990 cult classic comedy ... because, as he put it, the new cast is filled with a lot of rising stars who set out to prove themselves.

Jacob Latimore and Tosin Cole are playing the iconic roles of "Kid" and "Play" ... originally played by the hip-hop group, Christopher "Kid" Reid and Christopher "Play" Martin.

That might be a good enough reason for fans to give the reboot a chance. Of course, some were wary about LeBron's company, SpringHill, producing it ... as the news came on the heels of "Space Jam: A New Legacy."

Not only did LeBron star in that, but SpringHill also produced it - and even though the movie grossed over $150 million worldwide, it was pretty universally ripped.

That being said, there are signs the "House Party" reboot's set up for success.

The film's script is penned by "Atlanta" writers Stephen Glover and Jamal Olori ... both Emmy-nominated writers. Stephen is Donald Glover's younger brother.

Also, Charles Kidd II -- better known as Calmatic -- is making his feature film directorial debut. He directed Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" music video, which won the 2019 MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction and the 2020 Grammy for Best Music Video of the Year.

Iman Shumpert's about to show the world if any of his wife's dancing skills have rubbed off on him ... he's the latest to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars."

The NBA baller -- who's currently a free agent -- is headed to the ballroom for Season 30 of the hit dancing competition, but first, he's gotta get his rehearsals in. We got Iman leaving the 'DWTS' studio Thursday, and much like Olivia Jade ... he's trying to keep his identity under wraps.

We've confirmed it's him though, and time will tell if dance moves run in the family ... as you may know, his spouse, Teyana Taylor, is known for hers.

Teyana famously burst onto the scene when she was featured in Kanye West's 2016 music video for "Fade" ... a modern, incredibly hot homage to "Flashdance." Shumpert also appeared at the end of the vid ... but didn't do any dancing.

However, professional athletes have traditionally done very well on the show ... with Emmitt Smith, Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, Hines Ward, Donald Driver, Adam Rippon and several others winning it all.

Iman's rumored pro dance partner will be Daniella Karagach, who finished in third place on Season 29 with Nelly.

LaMarcus Aldridge is poised to make a big return to the hardwood -- the 7-time All-Star has received medical clearance to play in the NBA again ... this, after retiring due to a health condition.

Remember, the 36-year-old abruptly retired in April ... after he experienced an irregular heartbeat following a game against the L.A. Lakers.

As it turns out, LA was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in 2006 ... but was able to play his entire 15-year career with the condition without issue.

After sitting out the rest of the 2020-21 season, Aldridge is free to continue his career ... and according to Shams Charania, the Brooklyn Nets are frontrunners to bring him back.

It's great news for Aldridge, who previously opened up on his struggles with retirement.

"I’ve been depressed, and I’m trying to figure out how to navigate through not competing on the floor, learning not to be depressed," Aldridge -- the #2 overall pick in 2006 -- said back in June.

"I still love basketball. I still feel like I have a lot to give. But, even now, I’m still trying to find myself. When you go from doing something you love for so long and you lose it overnight, it’s a shock."

Aldridge has played for the Trail Blazers, Spurs and Nets during his career ... averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds a game.

Joel Embiid does NOT want Ben Simmons shipped out of Philly -- despite the fact the star PG had a horrific postseason and reportedly wants to be traded -- saying the All-Star duo can win a 'chip if they stay together.

"I love playing with Ben. Stats don’t lie. He’s an amazing player and we all didn’t get the job done," Embiid says.

"It’s on me personally. I hope everyone is back cuz we know we’re good enough to win."

Of course, 25-year-old Simmons seriously struggled last season, especially in the playoffs, when the Sixers lost Game 7 at home to the Atlanta Hawks ... with a trip to the Conference Finals on the line.

Simmons averaged a career-low in points (14.3), rebounds (7.2) and assists (6.9) in 2020-2021. He averaged 11.9 points per game in the playoffs. On the other hand, Embiid dropped over 28 points per game during the regular season and playoffs.

Ben reportedly recently told Philly brass he wants out of the City of Brotherly Love ... a plan 27-year-old Embiid ain't with.

That's important because there are rumors Joel and Ben have big beef ... and the fracture is part of the reason the former #1 overall pick wants out.

In fact, USA Today reported the "Simmons-Embiid rift has been escalating" ... and the team is now forced to pick between the players 'cause they can't co-exist together.

But, Embiid is clearly calling BS ... and wants to keep the squad together.

The NBA season starts in only 48 days ... will the Sixers run it back with the same squad -- or unload the 3x All-Star.

Want a pair of Michael Jordan's skivvies??

If your answer is "Yes," ... you're weird. BUT, you're also in luck, 'cause one of the G.O.A.T.'s old pairs of draws just hit the auction block!!!

We're serious -- the MJ-worn grey and black boxer shorts are up for sale via Lelands ... with a starting bid of $500!!

And, get this -- the auction company says there is evidence they were, in fact, worn by His Airness -- Lelands saying this priceless pair "shows definite use."

Okay settle down, nasties ... the proof is the loose threading in the shorts!!!

So, how did Lelands get their hands on Jordan's boxers?? It turns out John Michael Wozniak, MJ's old bodyguard (who was featured in "The Last Dance") had them all these years!!

But don't worry -- there's no way the draws will smell ... there's still a dry-cleaning tag on the inside of the underwear!!

The undies aren't the only pair of MJ apparel on the block ... you can also bid on everything from Jordan's cashmere coat to suits to button down dress shirts and belts -- all gifts from Wozniak.