NBA

LeBron James didn't chose free agency over the Los Angeles Lakers overnight ... Rich Paul says The King's odds to return to the Lakers were hovering at around 80% until LBJ decided to move on.

Speaking on his "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman, the Klutch Sports boss says LBJ initially leaned toward another season in L.A. But after weeks of conversations, he says the four-time NBA champ ultimately decided he was "100% sure" it was time to move on.

Rich says the turning point here had nothing to do with squeezing out one last max contract. Instead, he says he challenged LeBron to figure out the one thing he wanted most heading into Year 24 ... and the answer was simple: happiness.

Former NBA star Blake Griffin says his first experience with a sports psychologist was anything but a slam dunk ... claiming the shrink totally betrayed his trust.

Blake was on the "Friends Keep Secrets" podcast Tuesday with Lil Dicky, Kristin Batalucco, and Benny Blanco when recalled a nightmare interaction with a sports psychologist during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers.

He says the shrink came over to his place after practice one day and they chatted ... and then the shrink turned around and called up Blake's coach to spill about their convo.

NBA big man Walker Kessler just touched down in Los Angeles for a free agency meeting with the Lakers ... and he tells TMZ Sports it would've been great to play with LeBron James, but Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ain't too shabby!!

The 7'2" center is expected to be a hot commodity this offseason ... and the Lakers are reportedly super interested in bringing him on board after four seasons with the Utah Jazz.

We caught up with 24-year-old Kessler at LAX minutes after the news broke that James would not return to L.A. for the 2026-27 season ... and it's safe to say he's not canceling any appointments over it.

LeBron James is speaking out after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers ... thanking the organization for adding him to the family eight years ago.

The 41-year-old King went to X a few hours after the news broke ... and shared his heartfelt reaction to the team's statement on his departure.

"No, THANK YOU!" James said on Tuesday. "Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑."

Luka Doncic is bidding farewell to LeBron James ... saying he enjoyed their brief time together on the Lakers.

The Slovenian superstar went to Instagram on Tuesday ... fresh off the news 41-year-old King James was officially on the hunt for a new home after eight seasons in L.A.

In his tribute post, Doncic, 27, shared a pic of the two embracing after a game ... including the caption, "An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames."

LeBron James WILL play next season ... just not for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The four-time NBA champion's agent, Rich Paul, informed the team of his decision on Tuesday ... stating the King isn't hanging up his crown just yet, but he's done with the Purple and Gold.

There are rumblings 41-year-old James will team up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on the Golden State Warriors ... with Anthony Davis' name being thrown in the mix as well.

The "Hand of OG" ball from Game 4 of the NBA Finals is staying with the New York Knicks -- the piece of hoops history was scrubbed from the auction block minutes before bidding was slated to begin.

The rock is the same one Knicks hero OG Anunoby tapped in with seconds left in the June 10 contest to give New York a 3-1 lead in the series. The highlight also solidified the biggest comeback in Finals history after being down 29 points against the San Antonio Spurs.

It was a monumental moment for the Knicks as they went on to win their first title in 53 years ... and the item was sent to Sotheby's to allow fans to bid on it.

Lance Stephenson's doing his best Charles Barkley impression ... telling TMZ Sports his message to young hoopers is simple -- do NOT consider him a role model.

We caught up with the NBA vet-turned-BIG3 baller at LAX on Monday ... and had to ask about his recent on-court altercation that resulted in a suspension from Ice Cube's organization.

For those who missed it, Stephenson threw hands in a chippy moment between the LA Riot and Miami 305 ... which forced a forfeit after he was ejected from the contest, as his squad ran out of players.

NBA player Malik Beasley has been indicted on federal gambling charges in connection to a sports betting scheme, his attorney announced Monday.

The 29-year-old is currently working with the government to voluntarily surrender, according to Shams Charania ... who also reported the matter is related to point shaving and prop bets.

The NBA launched an investigation into Beasley after a sportsbook detected unusual betting interest on his stats in January 2024 ... and his lawyer, Steve Haney, said the hooper was fully cooperating with the probe.

The Pistons are in great shape to make another run in 2027 ... so says Detroit legend Ben Wallace, who tells TMZ Sports Motor City is ready to take the next step with more experience.

Cade Cunningham and Co. earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference after a 60-22 regular season record ... but fell short in the postseason, getting eliminated in the semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Big Ben has found a silver lining ... saying all the guys have to do is refocus and remind themselves that even the top dogs can lose in the playoffs.

Ex-NBA player Chris Carr is one proud dad ... telling TMZ Sports he's thrilled to see his son follow in his pro hoops footsteps and get drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers!!

We caught up with the former Suns and Timberwolves shooting guard at LAX on Friday ... and he's still over the moon after 21-year-old Cameron -- a standout at Baylor -- went No. 24 in Tuesday's draft.

Carr loves how Cameron is joining such a historic franchise ... but now that he's got his NBA home, it's time to get to work.

It looks like the New York Knicks are trying to conquer comedy after a dominant NBA Championship season ... with an assist from Nick Cannon!

Recently crowned NBA champs Jose Alvarado, Miles "Deuce" McBride, and Dillon Jones will be getting drafted to the "Wild N' Out" cast this Sunday ... and they'll be full participants on the show.

We actually got Nick out on Thursday in New York at a "Wild N' Out" casting event where he took the opportunity to hype up the crowd ... and boy did he do just that!

LaVar Ball is being dragged off one court and into another ... because a contractor who built him an at-home basketball court is now saying he was stiffed on the $200K bill.

The father of basketball stars Lonzo and LaMelo Ball is getting sued by MD Steel Inc. for unpaid labor expenses for the installation of a basketball court and subsequent home renovations.

TMZ obtained docs that detail the various work expenses MD says amounted to roughly $970K ... and in the filing, the company claims LaVar paid roughly $750K but never paid off the balance! He's now asking the court to help him collect the remaining $221,928!

Mike Woodson is super pumped to see the New York Knicks win it all ... telling TMZ Sports it's not a bittersweet feeling, 'cause "once a Knick, always a Knick."

Woodson -- who played for AND coached the Knicks once upon a time -- said it was "unbelievable" to watch Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the squad handle business against the San Antonio Spurs ... especially after decades of failing to get over the hump.

The one guy Woodson made sure to shoutout was Knicks owner James Dolan ... adding he's "truly, truly happy" to see him add a Larry O'Brien in his trophy case.

Trevor Ariza’s ex-wife, Bree Anderson, slammed the former NBA star for failing to pay child support while his new girlfriend flaunts their lavish lifestyle ... TMZ has learned.

Bree filed court docs claiming she believes Trevor pulls in over $50K per month, despite his claims that he only makes around $6K a month. She said she makes around $11K per month but lists monthly expenses totaling $29K.

In her filing, Bree claimed Trevor has failed to pay support owed in their divorce deal.  She also alleged he failed to provide his updated financial docs.

AJ Dybantsa -- the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft -- has a fantastic plan for how he's gonna spend his first pro paycheck ... telling TMZ Sports he wants to hire a personal chef ASAP!!

We chopped it up with the 19-year-old Washington Wizards rookie in D.C. on Thursday ... and got an inside look at his upcoming itinerary now that he's officially the area's newest star.

The former BYU star said he's already done the standard tour of the nation's capital ... but he definitely wants to hit up The White House and all the monuments again as a Wizard.