NBA

Tari Eason and his designer clothing can rest easy ... because the ex he claims destroyed all his stuff isn't legally allowed to go anywhere near him -- including his NBA games.

The Houston Rockets star's request for a temporary restraining order against his former flame Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez was granted by a judge Thursday ... and she's been barred from going near Tari, his home, his work, his vehicle, or NBA facilities where the baller is playing or practicing.

A hearing -- at which a judge will decide whether the TRO should be extended into a long-term restraining order -- has been set for August 20.

Ex-NBA star Paul Pierce is fighting his ex Princess Santiago's plea for a massive monthly child support check -- claiming his income is about to drop drastically this year, TMZ has learned. 

Paul filed court docs opposing his ex's request for $30K per month in child support, plus another $100K for legal fees in the case. 

In his filing, Paul points out he hasn't played in the NBA since 2017 … and does not earn like he used to. His career earnings were over $200 million.

7/31, 7:51 AM PT -- A source close to Marilyn tells TMZ ... she disputes those portrayals and contends they are false, misleading, and intended to damage her reputation while diverting attention from her allegations of harassment and emotional distress. She maintains that these publications do not accurately reflect the events as she experienced them.

Tari Eason is asking for a domestic violence restraining order against his ex ... telling the court she punched him in the face and destroyed some of his designer clothes with bleach.

The Houston Rockets star filed a petition, obtained by TMZ, on Thursday ... and he's asking for protection from 32-year-old Marilyn Maritza Melo Rodriguez, who he describes as someone he "used to date."

Tari claims one of Marilyn's friends called him to "tell me that she would 'break both of my legs' and 'kill me'" ... alleged threats he said made him fear for his life.

Before LeBron James wins a ring, he could be in one in Philadelphia ... 'cause King James just got a special invite from TNA star Nic Nemeth, as the wrestling promotion pulls up to the City of Brotherly Love!

TNA is formally asking the new Philadelphia 76ers superstar to be the Official Title Holder for Thursday night's World Championship match between Nemeth and Jeff Hardy on the Temple University campus.

The plan is simple ... Bron shows up ringside and puts the belt on the champ after the match.

Ron Harper is a proud papa who’s still in pure shock over his son Dylan Harper’s breakout rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs!

“Is Dylan Harper really my son?! It’s really awesome and a great time to see him play,” Ron recently told TMZ Sports from Billy "Swagga Vance" Jones' golf invitational.

“The experience that he has and seeing where he's come from growing up. It’s like most of the time I sit at the game and be like, ‘That’s my son.’ I’m shocked," the former Chicago Bulls star explained.

Devin Booker scores big both on and off the court ... and now it looks like the NBA star is hooking up with Irina Shayk.

Devin and Irina are the focus of romance rumors after gossip account Deuxmoi posted about multiple supposed sightings of them out and about together.

The first -- shared Sunday -- shows a man who looks like Devin leaving Tutto Caffe in East Hampton, New York.

The tipster claims it's the NBA star ... writing that he was there with Irina. According to DM, "several sources" saw the model hanging in the Hamptons with Devin.

Former NBA player Isaiah Rider is back in custody in Arizona ... this time for failing to comply with a court order ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to Maricopa County jail records ... Rider was taken into custody Thursday night and booked Friday morning for failing to comply with a court order.

The misdemeanor offense resulted in a guilty finding ... and the former Slam Dunk champ is expected to remain in custody until Tuesday.

Club security had two very different questions for New York’s NBA stars Saturday night ... "Michael who?" and "Right this way, Mr. Brunson."

Video posted Saturday night shows Brooklyn Nets star Michael Porter Jr. towering over the crowd outside the club as security appears to check whether his name is on the list.

Then Jalen Brunson's ride pulls up ... and the Knicks captain and reigning NBA Finals MVP steps out and heads straight inside without breaking stride.

LeBron James will be getting some royal treatment from a couple of iconic Philly spots ... with a pair of cheesesteak pads promising to roll out the cheese whiz-colored carpet for King James ... now that he's joining the city's NBA team.

Over at the iconic Pat’s King of Steaks, they're temporarily changing up how their customers order their fan-beloved Whiz Wit to reflect the new king in town, naming it "The King’s Way." The OG Whiz Wit will keep its classic ingredients: cheese Whiz with onions on juicy steak ... so no worries, there.

Frank Olivieri, third-generation owner of Pat's tells TMZ... “Everyone knows there’s only one way to order the classic, and now there’s a new way to say it. When you come to the window and ask for The King’s Way, we’ll know exactly what you mean.”

Meanwhile, Geno's Steaks has promised a meal fit for King James in the establishment's coveted VIP booth ... as well as a lesson with Geno himself on how to grill up some of the finest cheesesteaks the City of Brotherly Love has to offer.

President Geno Vento tells TMZ... "Our VIP booth – the hardest seat in Philadelphia to get – already has LeBron's name on it. Whenever he's ready, we'll welcome him with a cheesesteak, hand him the spatula, and even let him spend some time behind the grill for a little cheesesteak 101 with me personally. Every Philadelphia legend has a story at Geno's, and we'd love for LeBron's to begin here."

Now that LeBron James is heading to Philly, should Bronny follow his pops?? Devean George tells TMZ Sports he's against the idea ... 'cause now's the time to see what the young hooper can do on his own.

We caught up with the three-peat Lakers alum this week -- prior to the King's shocking 76ers announcement -- and asked about the Bronny situation with No. 23 no longer on the squad.

He said if the Lakers really feel like Bronny is an asset, they should prove it by putting him out on the court.

James Worthy isn't saying "good riddance" to LeBron James ... telling TMZ Sports it's a new era of the NBA -- so he'll appreciate the one ring the King brought to the City of Angels.

Some folks in Laker Nation were happy to see the four-time champion leave town ... essentially saying he wasn't a good fit for the franchise or could live up to the expectations put on him.

Not Worthy, though ... and he pointed to the state of the organization prior to his arrival -- which was "misery."

LeBron James is now a Philadelphia 76er ... but President Donald Trump believes he's "maybe" more of a racist.

The Commander in Chief made the shocking claim about the face of the NBA right from the Oval Office on Friday ... when well-known White House reporter Peter Doocy asked for his stance on the greatest G.O.A.T. debate in sports -- Michael Jordan or LeBron James??

Trump's answer had nothing to do with rings, points, or even talent for that matter ... but one thing in particular that doesn't show up on any box score -- friendship.

"Well, Michael Jordan's a guy that's a friend of mine. Play golf with him. He's a really good guy."

Then came his take on LeBron James the person.

LeBron James has made his decision -- he's joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

The announcement came down on Friday via X ... with James explaining why he's going to the City of Brotherly Love after initially contemplating retirement.

"I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game," James said seconds ago. "I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give."

It sure seems like LeBron James was going to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers all along ... 'cause the King's comments from last week are resurfacing on Friday -- and it couldn't have been more obvious.

James made a number of podcast appearances during Fanatics Fest in NYC ... and during a live episode of "Mind The Game," his guest co-host Tyrese Haliburton had an interesting way to ask a question about his career.

"What are you going on, year 76??" Hali asked. The four-time champion joked it was more like year 79 ... and the two continued with the chat. Chances are Haliburton was in the know prior to taking the stage, as James even admitted they addressed the topic beforehand.

Ty Lawson is breaking his silence after his most recent arrest ... claiming he's never experienced such racism in his life -- and he's calling out a "pasty face white woman" for lying.

The former Denver Nuggets star went to social media on Tuesday ... saying, "Being black in America is tough…. Being lied by a pasty face white woman wild… stay outta castle rock Colorado!!!!"

He continued ... "This the wildest and more racist s*** I been thru."

Former NBA player Ty Lawson was screaming and yelling during his shoplifting arrest in Colorado ... at least according to police, who say he stole a bottle of vodka and called his arresting officer a "white bitch."

According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Lawson was busted July 16 in Castle Rock after allegedly swiping a $34 bottle of Tito's vodka from a liquor store before bringing it with him to a nearby restaurant. The California Post was first to report.

Officers believed Lawson was intoxicated and said he smelled of alcohol when they confronted him about allegedly stealing the liquor.

That's when they say Lawson got heated ... claiming he repeatedly called an officer "bitch" and "white bitch" ... and also yelled "stop" multiple times. Cops say he even kicked the glass wall of his holding cell and spit on the floor.