NBA

The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers had a ball celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their NBA Finals win ... but don't expect the 2004 Detroit Pistons to ever follow suit -- 'cause Ben Wallace tells TMZ Sports that's simply not their style.

We caught up with Big Ben at LAX recently ... and had to ask if his championship squad has remained as close as LeBron James, Kevin Love, and the rest of the Wine and Gold roster from a decade ago.

As we previously reported, Bron, Love, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Tristan Thompson, and more jetted off to Saint-Tropez for several days of debauchery -- and the content was hilarious.

Byron Scott feels LeBron James could've done more with the Los Angeles Lakers ... telling TMZ Sports he's giving the King a "B" grade for his time in Purple and Gold.

We caught up with the Showtime Lakers alum this week ... fresh off the news that James would be playing elsewhere for his 24th season in the NBA.

Scott said the change is a win for both sides -- but when reflecting on the past eight seasons, he admitted he expected multiple championships with James ... not just the one he secured in 2020.

Jaylen Brown is speaking out on getting shipped to the Philadelphia 76ers ... and he seemingly took a shot at the Boston Celtics in the process.

The 2024 NBA Finals MVP released a statement on Thursday ... admitting he's still trying to wrap his head around what just happened.

Brown was traded on Wednesday in exchange for Paul George and draft picks ... a transaction that's being viewed as pretty one-sided and a steal for the Sixers.

Rick Ross is making his case for getting a piece of the Miami Dolphins ... telling TMZ Sports he wouldn't be a regular celebrity owner -- he'd hustle every day to help the team!!

Rozay joined Lucas Widman on the TMZ Sports set ... and he explained why he's dead serious on wanting an official role with the NFL squad.

The rap great said he'd focus on growing the org.'s relationship with the locals and making it feel more like a family -- 'cause the current owner, Stephen Ross, has everything else covered ... and he thinks he's doing a good job with that.

NBA player Malik Beasley entered a not guilty plea at an arraignment in his gambling case on Wednesday ... and his attorney made it clear they're going to fight to clear his name.

The former Detroit Pistons guard went before a judge in a New York courtroom ... where he was officially informed of his charges -- conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery in sporting contests, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Beasley wore a blue suit for the occasion ... and appeared to be in good spirits, all things considered.

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.