NBA

NBA player Sterling Brown has reached a $750k settlement with the City of Milwaukee, records show -- stemming from a 2018 incident when he was tased by cops.

Remember, the Milwaukee Bucks player was confronted by officers outside of a Walgreens while he was on a first date.

Cops had accused him of parking in a handicap space ... and things escalated from there.

Video showed officers taking Brown to the ground and tasing him -- despite the fact he never resisted or seemed to pose a threat.

Brown filed a lawsuit after the incident -- and previously said he was offered a $400,000 settlement in exchange for his silence on the matter but refused, saying, "I can't be quiet."

Now, Brown HAS reached a deal ... but according to The Athletic's Shams Charania it's not just about money.

In addition to the $750,000 ... Shams says the "City of Milwaukee would in a statement admit to a constitutional violation and commit to incorporate changes to the Milwaukee Police Department standard operating procedures."

LeBron James says his White House boycott is over ... and is 100% down to celebrate the Lakers championship with President-elect Joe Biden.

No NBA team has celebrated a title with President Trump since he took office in January 2017 -- with the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors each opting to celebrate elsewhere.

In fact, the Dubs celebrated with President Obama privately instead of going to the White House when they won in 2017.

King James praised the Dubs for the move ... calling Trump a bum in the process.

Now that LeBron and the Lakers are champions, the question --- will they go to 1600 Penn??

LeBron answered in a Twitter exchange with Draymond Green ... saying now that Biden will be in office, he'll return to the White House!!

Draymond tweeted at LeBron on Saturday ... saying, "Yoooo @KingJames y’all can go to the White House and celebrate y’all title G!"

LBJ responded, "YO we back up in there my G!!! I’m taking my tequila and vino too!"

Throw another assist on LeBron's resume ...

Shannon Sharpe tells TMZ Sports he STRONGLY believes the NBA superstar deserves some of the credit for helping Joe Biden close in on the presidency.

"[LeBron James] and Stacey Abrams registered so many people to vote," Shannon said.

"It was him that said, 'you know what? Open up these arenas and make them polling stations.'"

Sharpe says things like LeBron's "More Than a Vote" organization -- which helped thousands of people register to vote -- as well as all his other charitable contributions put Biden in a position to possibly beat Donald Trump this week.

"I'm sure [LeBron] had something to do with it because we registered the voting block. "

"You look at what happened in Detroit, you look at what happened in Philadelphia, look at what happened in Atlanta, you look at what happened in Milwaukee."

"Now, I don't know what's going to transpire, but when President Biden, when this thing is finally official, his first meeting should be with the leaders from those communities. They should eat first! What can I do for those communities? That was his Moses. They delivered him the presidency. "

For his part, Bron celebrated like crazy on Friday -- when it appeared obvious to him that Biden would secure the White House ... writing on his social media page, "Let’s go!!!!!"

King Von's death is hitting the sports world hard -- with NBA stars like Montrezl Harrell, Stephen Jackson, Evan Turner and more mourning the loss of a rising star gone too soon.

The rapper was shot and killed after a violent altercation outside a nightclub in Atlanta on Friday. He was only 26 years old.

Harrell shared his condolences to Von's family shortly after the news broke ... saying, "Damn it’s sad we lost another young brother to soon ... What is going on in the world."

"This the true sad part, three young blessings won’t see their dad come home again."

Jackson posted a video on Instagram ... calling for an end to senseless violence.

"Your brothers are not the enemy," Jackson said. "The ones got u thinking that are the real enemy. Wake up. Love for all who have love for all."

Turner also reacted on social media, saying, "This killing each other s**t gotta stop... Rest In Peace, King Von"

Other tributes came from athletes like Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenjon Barner, who said, "Damn I really just started listening to King Von and became a fan and he gone smh wow 2020 you got it we understand! RIPKingVon."

2016 NCAA champ Kris Jenkins spoke out in shock ... tweeting, "That king Von s**t wild smh RIP."

Ex-NFL first-round pick George Foster also recently came across Von's music, adding, "Man, I just really heard the King Von fella for the first time like last week, and thought 'jit ain’t bad.'"

"Now lil buddy gone smh."

The New England Patriots also honored the late rapper at practice on Friday ... playing his breakout hit, "Crazy Story," over the speakers.

RIP

Trae Young with the assist!!!

The Atlanta Hawks superstar did a VERY cool thing on Friday -- splurging for lunch for the people counting ballots at State Farm Arena ... and they couldn't be happier about it!

The 22-year-old NBA sensation's rep hit up Jason's Deli in midtown Atlanta -- and told the crew Young wanted to do something nice for everyone helping out with the election process.

Young ended up buying 50 boardroom box lunches -- complete with sandwiches, chips, a pickle and a cookie. He also sprung for extra fruit side items for all. Way to keep it healthy!

Total cost -- $670 plus a nice 20% tip.

Obviously, Young can afford it -- he's super-rich, but this is more about the gesture than the price.

The Fulton County election workers were stoked when the food arrived with a note from Young that read, "Thanks for all you do!"

Fulton County thanked Young and the ATL Hawks -- noting the NBA team has "supported us throughout this election process."

There's a ton of pressure on the election workers in ATL right now -- as the votes in that area are playing a pivotal role in the presidential election.

Delonte West's still got it!!!

The ex-NBA star has taken his recovery to the hardwood ... hitting the basketball court to brush up on his skills this week -- and the dude looks GREAT!!!

The 37-year-old has looked better by the day as he bounces back from troubled times -- from horseback riding to skydiving to kayaking as part of his treatment process.

West was even spotted polishing his handles and jumper during a workout in Florida on Nov. 2 ... and we're told he was in great spirits!!!

Instagram user og__chris19 tells TMZ Sports ... Delonte was talking about how he was happy to be back on the court, focused on recovery and getting better.

Get this -- we're told West even said he wanted to get into coaching in the future.

It's been an amazing sign of progress for West since Mark Cuban picked him up at a Dallas gas station back in September ... and it's clear he's working hard on staying committed.

Lamar Odom's fiancee says she's called off their engagement -- and is raising new concerns that he's backsliding in life.

"Y'all know I'm honest and transparent so I have to be the first to let you guys know that I am no longer engaged to Lamar," Sabrina Parr posted Wednesday night on IG.

"This has been a difficult decision for me to make but it is the best for myself and my children."

Here's the troubling part ...

"Lamar has some things that he alone needs to work through," Parr said.

"I love him dearly but I am no longer able to be by his side while he seeks the help he so desperately needs."

Parr did not specify what she's concerned about -- but Odom's issues are no secret. He's struggled with substance abuse over the years and nearly died from an overdose during a 2015 incident at a Nevada brothel.

"I wish him all the best and I am asking that you pray for everyone involved," Parr added.

40-year-old Odom had proposed to Parr (a fitness and life coach) at Myles Chefetz's Prime 112 restaurant in Miami back in November while dining with pal Nene Leakes.

They had only been dating for 3 months at the time but felt there was a connection.

NBA forward Alize Johnson's mom says she was at a loss for words when she was gifted with a new house ... telling TMZ Sports she was BLOWN AWAY by her son's huge gesture.

As we previously reported, the 24-year-old Indiana Pacers player surprised his whole family with a new home in Williamsport, PA ... as a "thank you" for helping him reach his dreams as a professional NBA player.

We spoke with Johnson's mom, Chanelle, about the incredible moment ... and she broke down exactly what it was like to be surprised with the new digs!!

"I'm very proud, very proud and just speechless," Chanelle told us. "Speechless for the things that he's done and just his heart and his humility through the whole process."

"But, he's always been a humble kid but just to see him take care of us before his self is just -- it's mind-blowing."

As for who gets to decorate the new crib, the hooper says he only has a few requests.

"I told them, 'When we move in, listen. I don't care about anything but just let me deck the basement out and the outside pool and stuff like that,'" Johnson tells us.

"That's the only thing I was concerned about but beautiful house, beautiful neighborhood and we're gonna have some good memories there and I'm looking forward to my siblings getting in there and having it to remember growing up."

LeBron James is pleading with citizens of Akron, Ohio to help police in a murder case involving his good friend's sister ... saying Wednesday, "My city I need y’all to go to work."

Bron's lifelong pal, Brandon Weems -- who's the Cleveland Cavaliers' director of scouting -- lost his sister earlier this week in what officials have ruled a homicide.

According to News 5 in Cleveland, 37-year-old Ericka Weems was found by family members in Akron on Monday with a gunshot wound to her head.

Cops say they've launched an investigation ... but so far, they've made no arrests and say they've yet to identify any suspects.

LeBron is pleading for help to change that ... begging people of his hometown of Akron to come forward if they have any knowledge of the case.

"AKRON OHIO!!" LeBron wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "My brother’s sister was murdered this past weekend in her home! My brother family need answers to why and by whom."

"My city I need y’all to go to work and find out who did this awful, shameful, disgusting thing to such a caring, loving angel! #Justice4EricaWeems."

LeBron and Brandon's friendship goes back decades ... with MLive reporting the two met at Pee Wee football when they were little kids.

The two went on to become teammates on their St. Vincent-St. Mary H.S. basketball team ... and Bron grew so close to Brandon, he's called him his "brother" repeatedly in interviews over the years.

Akron detectives are urging people to call 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP if they have any information regarding the case.

A reward of up to $5,000, meanwhile, has been offered for information by Summit County Crimestoppers as well.

The NBA is one vote away from starting the upcoming season on Dec. 22 ... with owners and players reportedly set to approve the proposed 72-game plan on Thursday.

The decision to start the season before Christmas Day will save the league between $500 million and $1 BILLION, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The NBPA will meet to officially agree on the quick turnaround -- remember, the Los Angeles Lakers just won the 2020 championship on Oct. 12 after the league initially delayed the season due to COVID-19. back in March.

As of right now, the 2020 NBA Draft is set to go down Nov. 18 ... with training camps opening up Dec. 1.

Eddie Johnson -- a former NBA All-Star turned convicted child sexual predator -- has died, officials confirm.

At the time of his death, the 65-year-old was serving a life sentence in Florida stemming from a 2006 sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl.

Johnson died on Oct. 26 after a battle with an undisclosed illness, but officials didn't confirm his death until this week.

"Fast Eddie" was a solid player for the Atlanta Hawks from 1977 to 1986 -- making two All-Star teams (1980, 1981). He also played for Cleveland and Seattle.

But, Johnson had major issues off the court ... he was reportedly arrested more than 100 TIMES in his life for everything from cocaine possession to burglary and robbery ... even assault on a police officer.

Johnson was banned from the NBA for LIFE in 1987 due to cocaine use ... and things got worse from there.

Johnson was arrested in August 2006 after officials say he broke into an apartment complex and followed an 8-year-old girl to her room, where he forcibly committed sexual assault.

Johnson denied wrongdoing -- but a jury found him guilty of sexual battery and molestation after less than 2 hours of deliberating.

He received a mandatory life sentence -- and spent the rest of his days behind bars.

Indiana Pacers forward Alize Johnson just surprised his family with the ultimate gift by hooking them up with a new home.... and his mother's reaction is PRICELESS!!!

The 24-year-old hooper shared the kind gesture on IG Monday ... saying, "today I surprised them with a New House I always dreamed about living in myself, but I’m taking care of them first because without them, there’s no Alize."

In the clip, Johnson's family walks up to the new crib in their hometown of Williamsport, PA ... and his mother immediately breaking down when she realizes what's going on.

She falls to her knees, "Are you kidding me?!?" -- and Johnson has to literally carry her to the new home.

Amazing!!

Johnson explained his decision for the incredible gesture ... saying, "My family is the reason I go so hard. "The reason I sacrifice everyday and continue to put in work. I just want to see a smile on their faces."

This house is beautiful and the perfect size for his large family -- after all, Johnson is the oldest son of 7 SIBLINGS (4 sisters, 3 brothers).

Pacers star Victor Oladipo praised his teammate for the gesture, "Proud of you slim!! You know what time it is!!! Congrats to the Johnson Family!"

Johnson -- who will become a restricted free agent this off-season -- signed a 2-year contract worth $2.2 million with the Pacers in 2018.

This is GREAT to see -- Delonte West looking happy and physically active at his rehab center!!

Mark Cuban shared some pics of the ex-NBA star as he continues his treatment ... which now includes frisbee golf and kayaking!

Cuban, who was the driving force behind getting 37-year-old West into treatment, commented ... "Because we all want something to feel great about today, here is your Delonte West update."

He added, "It's still an uphill battle, but he is climbing."

As we previously reported, Cuban personally picked up West at a Dallas gas station last month and vowed to help out in any way he could after seeing pics of Delonte in late-September in bad shape, begging for money on the streets.

With the blessing of West's family, Cuban helped get Delonte -- a 2004 1st round NBA Draft pick -- into a treatment program ... and things have been going well ever since.

West started with a detox program -- and our sources told us he was "roughing it out" while getting all traces of drugs and alcohol out of his system.

Since then, he looks to be in a much better place -- he's been horseback riding and staying active ... taking it one day at a time!

Richard Heckmann -- co-owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury -- has died, the team confirmed Monday. He was 76.

Heckmann reportedly suffered from a degenerative neurological disorder (similar to Parkinson's) -- and ultimately passed away on Saturday from complications related to multiple system atrophy, according to The Palm Springs Desert Sun.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and 7 children.

Heckmann had been involved in the NBA since 2004 -- when he was part of an investment group that purchased the Phoenix Suns for $401 million.

So, how did he get rich? Dude was a legendary businessman.

Heckmann founded the U.S. Filter water company in 1990 (it was bought out 9 years later for $8.2 BILLION!).

He was also a founding shareholder of the Callaway Golf Company and the CEO of the K2 winter sports company.

Oh, and he was also an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam!

There's more ... a lot more. Bottom line, Heckmann was a BEAST in the business world.

He was also well-liked by his NBA associated -- with Suns managing partner Robert Sarver issuing this statement to remember his friend:

"Dick’s philanthropic spirit coupled with his sharp business acumen was what separated him from the pack."

"The legacy he built in the business world is only surpassed by his legacy of improving the community and his charismatic approach to life. I will deeply miss my friend and his kindness and presence."

"LeBron James Sucks!"

That's the chant that rang out at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Monday ... and #45 loved every second of it.

Trump was doing his usual anti-NBA thing ... talking about how NBA ratings sucked this year and blamed the bad numbers on the social activism from players like LeBron James -- and man, the crowd ate it up.

"How about basketball? How about Lebron? I felt badly for LeBron," Trump said ... "I felt very badly. Down 71% and that's for their championship -- I didn't want watch one shot."

He continued, "When they don't respect our country, when they dont respect our flag, nobody wants to watch. Nobody!"

Trump tried to change the subject to the NFL -- but the crowd erupted in a "LeBron James Sucks" chant ... and it got so loud, Trump stopped to acknowledge it.

"What a crowd! What a crowd!!!"

LeBron and Trump have been going after each other for years -- most recently, LeBron invited Barack Obama to appear on his show, "The Shop," where they both stumped hard for Joe Biden.

Shawn Kemp admits he smoked marijuana during his days as an NBA superstar ... and flat out says he has zero regrets, 'cause weed is way SAFER than pain pills.

TMZ Sports talked to the 50-year-old former hooper -- a 6x All-Star who played in the league from 1989 to 2003 -- about weed in the NBA ... and the "Reign Man" was honest when we asked if he blazed as a player.

"When I played, absolutely we smoked pot back in the day when we played. We was responsible with it but we definitely smoked," Kemp says.

Shawn tells us pro athletes put a ton of wear and tear on their body, and need pain relief ... and Kemp says pot is a much safer alternative than addictive and dangerous pain killers.

"For me, with arthritis and different pains in your body, [marijuana] is the perfect solution," SK says.

"Sometimes guys don't like to pop the pills, some guys, they don't wanna take those chances, so this is another way of taking care of yourself professionally, with doing it the right way."

BTW, Shawn knows what he's talking about when it comes to smoking.