Basketball

LeBron James and his family are sharing their condolences after a 17-year-old boy died near the NBA superstar's I Promise School in Akron ... saying, "Our condolences goes out to the family who lost a loved one!!"

A male victim was found beaten and unconscious in the parking lot of the school's outdoor court at 10:45 PM on Thursday ... after authorities say he was assaulted by unknown suspects.

Cops believe the victim was in a fight with three other suspects who were playing basketball at the school's court, according to Fox 8.

The victim's friends reportedly rushed home to call 911, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene at 11:05 PM.

LeBron's foundation released a statement on the tragic incident ... saying, "Our community is everything to us."

"We were devastated to learn of the overnight incident that saw a life lost near our school," the org. added. "We are grieving with our community over another senseless act of violence. Our campus is safe and secure as we continue to do everything we can to support our students, families, and the entire Akron community."

LeBron also tweeted just minutes ago ... saying, "My (sic) the heavens above watch over you during this tragedy! Pray for our community! 💚👑."

Akron Public schools also addressed the student's passing ... saying he was a student leader at the Firestone Community Learning Center and involved in the design academy.

We've reached out to cops for more information.

Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love got an eyeful at the Louvre Museum on Friday ... and by an eyeful, we really mean it.

The 2016 champ hit up the world-famous museum in Paris prior to catching Rafael Nadal's semifinal match against Alexander Zverev at the French Open ... and decided to document all the artistic man junk he saw along the way.

Relax ... it's art!!!

K. Love also checked out some non-nude pieces along during the trip ... including the Mona Lisa (which was cleaned up after the cake attack on Sunday), Athena of Velletri and The Wedding at Cana ... as well as Napoleon's apartment.

One of the most recognizable fight songs in all of college sports is getting a makeover ... Notre Dame just announced its changing lines in its famous tune to recognize the university's "daughters."

The school just made the change official ... revealing Friday morning instead of singing "While her loyal sons are marching/Onward to victory" in the song, the line will now be sung as, "While her loyal sons and daughters/March on to victory."

Notre Dame officials say they made the change to the song -- which is played and sung continuously at Fighting Irish sports events -- in part to honor the 50th anniversary of the university's decision to admit female undergraduate students.

Jay-Z may be a Brooklyn native, but he was seen showin' love to the Boston Celtics after their wild comeback win over the Warriors -- dapping up Jayson Tatum after the game.

If you missed Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, the Celtics were down 12 points by the end of the 3rd quarter against Golden State ... but Tatum and the C's went off in the 4th and outscored the Warriors 40-16 -- pulling off an upset win, 120-108.

The Celtics did it all right on the Warriors' homecourt -- and hip-hop legend Jay-Z was front and center to watch the epic win at the Chase Center.

HOV had to show the Celts some love for their stunning performance ... and dapped up Tatum -- the Eastern Conference Finals MVP -- right on the court.

The cool part about the exchange? Jay-Z's track "On To The Next One," featuring Swizz Beatz, was playing on the arena's speakers.

Shawn Carter wasn't the only celeb in the crowd who witnessed Celtics' upturn ... San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds was also in attendance, as was legendary director Spike Lee.

Lee -- who's a diehard New York Knicks fan -- was seen on camera before the game giving love to Warriors star Draymond Green and yelling, "Let's go, baby! Let's go!"

FYI, Tatum had 12 points and 13 assists in the game ... but Al Horford was the star of the show, leading the team with 26 points.

Dr. Preston Phillips -- a former WNBA team doctor -- was the main target in the deadly mass shooting at a hospital in Oklahoma this week that left four innocent people dead.

A male gunman opened fire on the second floor of the Warren Clinic in Tulsa Wednesday afternoon ... after police say a patient of the hospital traveled to the clinic with multiple weapons and opened fire.

Cops say the killer -- who we've chosen not to identify -- was furious with Dr. Phillips after the orthopedic surgeon recently operated on him, claiming the procedure caused him terrible back pain.

Officials say the man went to a local gun store on Wednesday -- just hours before the shooting -- and bought a semi-automatic rifle which he eventually used in the attack.

Phillips, aside from being a highly respected doctor in the city, also served as head team physician for the Tulsa Shock ... beginning in 2010.

The Shock moved to Dallas in 2016 ... where they currently play.

Indiana Fever assistant coach Gary Kloppenburg, who coached for the Shock from 2012-2013, penned an emotional letter to Phillips on social media, and blamed Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt for weak gun laws.

"Lord help us, our wonderful WNBA Tulsa Shock team doctor Preston Phillips was one of the innocent people murdered in the latest mass shooting."

"Such a kind and compassionate man who loved basketball and looked out for our players."

A fitness trainer tried to do his best LeBron James impression at the King's "Hustle" movie premiere on Wednesday -- attempting to throw down a sweet dunk -- but he came up just short on the landing, and broke his tooth on the hoop's stanchion!

Quan Bailey was on hand in L.A. for the screening of LBJ's new flick -- which stars Adam Sandler -- and he decided to show off on a makeshift court set up near the Westwood Regency Village Theatre.

Bailey threw down one dunk with ease ... but as he finished another alley-oop one, he misjudged his landing -- and slammed his face on the structure holding up the rim!

Bailey immediately knew something was wrong ... grabbing at his grill, before realizing he had a bloody lip and a broken tooth.

Bailey, though, was a good sport about it all ... and even joked on his social media page afterward, "First man to break a tooth at a Hollywood movie premiere ... That one hurt lol."

Bailey said on Thursday morning his mouth was still in pain, but he managed to get some training in ... and added that he's trying to get to a dentist to fix the tooth later in the afternoon.

Brittney Griner remains in a Russian jail cell, but the WNBA star has one small semblance of normalcy during lockup ... the 7x All-Star has been communicating with friends, family, and fellow players over email.

Griner's team created an email account where Brittney's loved ones and friends can write to her ... and then once vetted by Russian officials, the WNBA star's attorney brings the letters to her cell.

Brittney has received hundreds of messages.

L.A. Sparks forward Amanda Zahui B. wrote to Griner a few months ago, and was surprised to hear back from her friend.

"She jokes in her letters," Zahui said. "I don't know how she does it with what she's going through. She's an amazing soul."

"She brings light in a situation like this. I don't think a lot of people could manage to do that," Zahui added.

Brittney and Amanda have exchanged multiple messages ... with the latest correspondence arriving from Russia last week.

Zahui B. says Brittney ended their latest email exchange by writing "From 42 to 42'' ... in reference to Amanda changing her uniform number to honor BG.

And, it's not just electronic communications. Diana Taurasi says she sent a handwritten letter to BG.

Of course, Griner has been locked up near Moscow since February (the exact date of her arrest is unknown) after Russian authorities claim the hooper attempted to smuggle hashish oil (vape cartridges) into the country.

Griner was last seen on May 13 when she appeared in court for a motion her lawyers filed, asking the judge to allow her to move to house arrest while she awaits her trial.

Brittney could face years in prison, if convicted.

Complicating matters is the relationship between the United States and Russia ... fearing many to believe Brittney could be used as a bargaining chip.

Griner's wife, Cherelle, in a recent sit-down interview, implored President Biden and his administration to play a more active role in helping bring the 31-year-old back home.

LeBron James just became the first active NBA player to have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 9 zeroes in his net worth -- the Lakers superstar is officially a billionaire.

The 37-year-old 4-time champ reached the milestone after making a whopping $121.2 million in 2021, according to Forbes ... joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the only other hoopers to rake in that kinda coin.

Bron has made more than $387 million on the court, but the majority of his money has come from the business side.

As the outlet points out, James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment is worth around $300 million, his stake in Fenway Sports Group is worth $90 million and his 10% share of the Blaze Pizza brand has blown up to a whopping $30 million.

Oh yeah, and the dude has a LIFETIME contract with Nike ... which Mav previously hinted was a billion-dollar deal for decades to come.

That's not even scratching the surface of LeBron's success off the court ... but the accomplishment is truly something -- Jordan reportedly didn't become a billionaire until 2014.

LeBron -- who had a tough childhood with his mother, Gloria, after she gave birth to him at just 16 years old -- previously spoke about his desire to make a billion in his lifetime ... so it's gotta feel good to be the King.

This is awesome!!!

USC basketball recruit Aaliyah Gayles graduated from Spring Valley High School this week ... just months after the hoops star was shot 10 times at a house party.

Gayles -- the no. 8 ranked player in the 2022 class -- held her diploma high after she made it across the stage in a wheelchair on Tuesday ... something her father, Dwight, says she worked her "tail off for."

"Words can't even describe the feeling I feel," Dwight told TMZ Sports on Wednesday.

"It wasn't easy but she did it. I can't be more happy for her. God is good!"

Of course, this is a special moment for the family and Gayles ... after the 5-foot-9 guard was shot 10 times at a Las Vegas house party on April 16.

Despite the serious injuries, Dwight told us back in April that his 18-year-old daughter -- who committed to USC last August -- will still play basketball for the Trojans.

Her father also provided an update on her recovery ... saying, "It's going very well."

"Doing some physical therapy. Getting back to normal one day at a time. Baby steps."

In her last year of high school, Gayles averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists per game ... leading the Grizzlies to the state tournament.

The 5-star recruit was also the first Vegas player to be named a McDonald All-American since 2010.

But, getting to go across the stage and receive her diploma has got to be her proudest moment.

Kobe Bryant received a touching tribute in the newest season of "Stranger Things" ... with one of the show's stars, Caleb McLaughlin, paying homage by wearing the NBA legend's iconic #8 during the show.

Netflix says 20-year-old Caleb -- who is a massive Kobe fan -- came up with the idea for his on-screen character, Lucas Sinclair, to wear the Mamba's digit on his basketball jersey in the huge show.

Despite the number being factually incorrect (H.S. hoopers could only wear numbers that ended in 0-5 in the 1980s), the show's producers loved the plan to honor Mamba and let him don it for filming.

Of course, 'ST's newest installment is Netflix's biggest debut since "Squid Game" took over the world in 2021.

In fact, season 4 has resulted in 286.79 million hours viewed globally ... making it the biggest premiere weekend for an English language TV show on the streaming platform, according to reports.

In addition to the success here, it also reached #1 on the charts in 83 countries.

It's become common to see entertainers or athletes showing love for the life and legacy of Kobe since his tragic death -- The Game got a tattoo of a sideways 8 and KB's signature about his eyebrow.

Lakers superstar Lebron James got a snake tattoo ... with his numbers and the message "Mamba 4 Life" underneath it.

One of Kobe's favorite young players, Jayson Tatum, is always outspoken about what his relationship with Kobe means to him ... even wearing a purple armband with Kobe's #24 on it during a must-win Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday.

JT also revealed that he texted Kobe's number a message right before the game, saying, "I got you today" ... and he delivered on his promise, scoring 26 huge points for the Celtics in a 100-96 win.

One of the rarest and most coveted Kobe Bryant cards in existence -- the 1997 Skybox Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #81 -- just hit the auction block ... and could sell for over a million bucks!!

The Bryant card is numbered 60 out of 100 ... making it incredibly rare.

But, what makes this card so special is the fact it's signed by the Black Mamba himself -- likely making it a 1-of-1 -- as no other autographed version has hit the market, as far as we can tell.

Pretty cool to think Kobe held this card and signed it.

The signature was authenticated and graded a Mint 9 by PSA -- one of the premiere graders and authenticators -- before SCP Auctions put it on the block.

The auction believes the card could sell for over $1 million!

It's actually difficult to find PMG cards -- which featured 123 players (all with 100 cards) -- in tip-top shape (let alone ones signed by KB) because of the way they were made. The cards were manufactured using a colored foil that makes them difficult to keep pristine ... as the foil would chip.

The PMGs are incredibly significant among collectors, and look flat-out awesome. And, there are two versions of each card. The first 10 numbered cards are green (Emerald), meanwhile, 11 through 100 are red.

A green Kobe PMG -- not signed -- brought in around $2 million at auction a few months ago, FYI.

The signed card has already been bid on 10 times ... with a high bid of $130K.

A super-rare item from LeBron James' legendary high school career is about to hit auction -- a basketball signed by the King and his teammates from St. Vincent-St. Mary ... and it could come with a big price tag!!

Of course, James was one of the biggest hoops stars as a high schooler ... and his accolades tell it all -- 2-time Mr. Basketball USA, 2-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, 3-time Ohio Mr. Basketball, McDonald's National Player of the Year and a 2003 national title to top it all off.

Before all that, the squad from LBJ's 2000 season all teamed up and scribbled their Hancocks on a ball ... and anyone who followed LBJ since day one will recognize some names.

Besides LBJ's autograph -- which received an 8/10 grade -- you can see his teammates Dru Joyce, Sian Cotton and others inscribed on the ball.

In fact, right next to James' signature is Maverick Carter ... who is currently business partners with the Lakers superstar and one of the founders of LRMR Ventures.

The ball -- that hits Heritage Auctions on June 4 -- has 11 overall signatures and is expected to sell for over $5k!!

Former Gonzaga basketball superstar Chet Holmgren clearly ain't stressin' about next month's NBA draft ... telling TMZ Sports his goal is to find the best "fit" for him, not necessarily to be the top pick.

We got the 7-footer out shopping in L.A. this week ... and asked if he was hoping to be taken by the Orlando Magic at No. 1 overall on June 23.

While it's obvious the guy wouldn't mind it (who would?!?) -- he stressed to us being in the best spot for his growth as a hooper is what's most important to him ... not what slot he'll be picked in.

"Man," the 19-year-old said. "I want to land in the best fit for my career, and the best possible situation."

Of course, many experts believe that very well could be in Orlando -- with most mock drafts having him slated to be taken by the Magic just minutes after Adam Silver kicks off the event.

Kyrie Irving has been ripped to shreds over his COVID-19 vaccine stance, but John Salley is coming to his defense ... telling TMZ Sports he tips his hat to the Nets star for standing up for what he believes in.

We spoke with Salley -- who won 4 NBA titles -- out in NYC this week ... and the former Detroit Piston spoke glowingly about Irving, who faced immense backlash this year for refusing to get the jab.

"I think Kyrie Irving is the premier athlete -- professional," Salley said. "I think he's conscious. I think he thinks it through. I think it's very important that people pay attention too, he's not into the lies, the glitz. He's into taking care of his body."

Salley said he knows Irving is into science and does his own research, but because his stance differs from the views of mainstream society ... people hate Kyrie because of it.

"I'm the biggest Kyrie fan," Salley added. "Everything he does, I take my hat off to him."

Of course, Kyrie received a lot of heat for his personal decision to remain unvaccinated despite being forced to miss games ... drawing criticism from the likes of Howard Stern and Chris Rock.

But, Salley isn't in the same camp -- he says the Nets did the right thing by standing by Kyrie amid the vaccine drama this season.

"You have a guy who didn't get the virus, and everybody who talked about smack about him got it really bad," Salley said. "He had a very strong immune system."

It's unclear if the Nets -- or Nike -- will commit to a long-term relationship with Irving in the future ... but either way, Salley thinks the 30-year-old is an exceptional talent.

An autographed Luka Dončić rookie card with an actual patch from a game-worn jersey is about to hit the auction block, and TMZ Sports has learned it could sell for 7 figures!!

The super-rare card -- soon headed to the PWCC Premier Auction -- is 1 of just 5 copies in existence. The last time a similar card sold, it went for a million bucks.

Officials at PWCC tell us this isn't just any ordinary NBA rookie card ... in fact, reps say the keepsake is one-of-a-kind due to the Emerald color scheme it boasts.

The front of the card features 23-year-old Luka shooting a jump shot ... along with the patch from his Mavs jersey.

Luka, the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has become one of the most effective offensive players in the world ... he's virtually unstoppable.

Dončić, a native of Slovenia, has drawn parallels to NBA legend Larry Bird for his ability to score, rebound, and facilitate at an elite level -- in addition to the leadership skills he displays.

Despite only playing 4 full seasons, Luka is already 10th on the NBA's all-time triple-double list -- with 46 -- behind Bird, who's ahead of him at 9th on the list.

And, PWCC exec Jesse Craig says the card could actually end up being a bargain.

"The question now is if he can win a ring. If he leads Dallas to a championship – or to multiple championships – the demand for his assets is likely to keep going up. To find this card, in this low of quantity, right now is an incredible opportunity.”

John Calipari is mourning the loss of college hoops legend Reggie Warford -- the first Black basketball player to graduate from the University of Kentucky -- after he died on Thursday morning.

Cal called the former hooper his "brother" in an emotional tweet ... and added, "I know how much Reggie meant to Kentucky & how he inspired others."

"Reggie and I worked together at Pitt in the 80s and have remained friends," the Wildcats head coach said. "I'm going to miss my brother, may God bless you Reggie."

No cause of death has been revealed ... though the Kentucky icon battled various health issues in the waning years of his life -- requiring several transplants.

He was 67 years old.

Warford played at Kentucky from 1972-1976 and was the program's second-ever Black player. Tom Payne, who signed with the Wildcats in 1969, was the first.

Over the course of his four-year career, Warford played in 50 total games -- scoring 206 points.

Warford went on to graduate from UK with a degree in arts and sciences ... making him, at the time, the first Black four-year player to accomplish the feat.

Kentucky officials remembered the college standout on Thursday while emphasizing the "important role" he played in the landscape of Wildcat sports history.

"It is with great sadness we share the passing of Reggie Warford," the school said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and teammates."

"Warford was an NIT Champion and the first Black men's basketball player to graduate from the University of Kentucky."

Reggie is survived by his wife, Marisa, and sons, Grant and Tyler.