Basketball

Caitlin Clark's popularity is being used to catapult the WNBA's racism conversation to the forefront ... so says retired legend Sue Bird, who claims the negative treatment from fans has been an issue long before the Indiana Fever superstar was drafted.

Clark's fellow WNBA ballers have spoken out on their mistreatment numerous times this season ... which has led many to believe it's the new spectators she brought to the league that are majorly at fault for the hate.

Bird weighed in on the subject on her "A Touch More" podcast with her ex-USWNT superstar wife, Megan Rapinoe ... and she said given her 21 years in the league, she knows damn well Clark wasn't indirectly responsible -- she's just being used as a "pawn" in the situation.

Julius Randle's wife is opening up on the blockbuster trade that sent her husband to Minnesota in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns ... saying she's actually excited for the change of pace in a much smaller city.

Kendra Randle took to her TikTok to talk all about the chaos the family has gone through over the past 72+ hours ... revealing they flew out to Minneapolis immediately to try and find a house and school for their kids, seven-year-old Kyden and two-year-old Jaycey.

"It is pretty hectic," she said. "I'm really grateful that it's actually not in the middle of the season, like, before the tradeline, or whatever. But, it has been pretty crazy for our first time and unexpected."

Michael Jordan's racing team is suing NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France ... alleging the guy and his organization are "monopolistic bullies."

His Airness' 23XI Racing -- along with Front Row Motorsports -- filed the lawsuit in federal court in North Carolina on Wednesday ... after the two teams say they refused to sign updated pacts with NASCAR over "unfair terms."

In the suit, the teams said they wanted more when it came time to extend their charter agreements beyond 2024 -- namely, a bigger piece of the revenue pie -- but France and NASCAR wouldn't budge.

Savannah James is taking the NBA 2K "My Player" concept to a whole new level ... mom picked up the sticks to play as the human she birthed in real life -- her son Bronny James!

LeBron James showed off the funny video on social media ... with Savannah seemingly having a proud mommy moment, putting up shots as her (virtual) son on the hardwood.

"Only way you play the game, huh," James asked. "Only way I can get her to play the game."

Congrats are in order for WNBA star Cameron Brink -- the L.A. Sparks rookie just announced she's going to get married!!

The ballin' beauty shared the big news on Monday ... posting several pics of her longtime boyfriend, Ben Felter, getting on one knee and popping the question in front of the Eiffel Tower during their recent trip to Paris.

Naturally ... she said, "Yes in every lifetime 🤍♾️."

Rob Schneider was one of millions to share their condolences following Dikembe Mutombo's death ... but his tribute to the legend stuck out in particular -- as he used the tragic news to push his anti-vax stance.

The comedian went to X to mourn Mutombo's passing on Monday ... starting it off by saying, "Rest in Peace..."

Many wish he would've just left it at that ... as the rest of his post -- which quoted a video Mutombo made in 2021 to promote the Covid vaccine -- speculated if getting the jab had anything to do with the former All-Star's death.

Media Day wasn't all fun and games for Draymond Green on Monday ... he got into a feisty back-and-forth with a reporter that lasted nearly two minutes.

The journalist's comment -- "people worry about you" -- came as the Warriors superstar was sitting down for a Q and A at Golden State's annual (and normally lighthearted) preseason event ... and, check out the video, Green seemed to take umbrage with it right away.

He stopped the media member in his tracks ... and asked him, "Why are they worried about me?"

Ya don't need Photoshop to see LeBron and Bronny James rocking the Purple and Gold together anymore -- the father/son duo decided to stand side-by-side for some pictures at Lakers media day ... and it was adorable!!!

The two hoopers took advantage of the opportunity for a cool moment before meeting with reporters on Monday ... with Bron rocking his usual No. 23 and Bronny sporting his new 9.

Of course, it's the first time any team has been able to have such a photoshoot ... as the Jameses are the first father and son to be in the league at the same time -- and they're on the same team.

The sports world is mourning the passing of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo ... and some basketball figures gave their reactions in real time at media day activities on Monday -- including Raptors team president Masai Ujiri, who was devastated by the news.

The longtime exec. went before reporters to passionately explain how much Mutombo meant not just to him and the sport ... but to the world.

"It's really hard to believe," he said as he held back tears. "It's hard for us to be without [Dikembe Mutombo]. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. It's a tough one."

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo -- one of the greatest defensive basketball players ever -- has died after a battle with brain cancer. He was 58 years old.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement announcing Mutombo's passing ... saying, "Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA."

"Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others."

Scottie Pippen is jumping into the documentary game -- the NBA legend tells us he's linking up with a top filmmaker, and they're creating a series chronicling the 1990-1991 Chicago Bulls, focusing on the actual game ball from the title-clinching game!

"We're looking to do a documentary on this basketball because we think that there's a lot of stories to be told," Pippen told Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs nightly on FS1).

"I think that ball really was a start of a dynasty and almost, I want to say, the end of a great dynasty in the Los Angeles Lakers, who we've known for many years in the '80s as 'Showtime,'" Scottie said, explaining the significance of the basketball.

Caitlin Clark just added an exclamation point to her stellar first WNBA season ... the league is naming her its Rookie of the Year!!

According to Shams Charania ... the W will announce the 22-year-old beat out Angel Reese for the honors at some point this postseason.

It, of course, shouldn't come as a huge surprise, as she tore up the league night in and night out -- all while helping guide the Indiana Fever to its first playoff berth since 2016.

Vince Carter broke in down tears after learning the Toronto Raptors have plans to retire his jersey this season -- and video of the emotional moment will no doubt have you reaching for some tissues.

The scene all played out earlier Friday in Canada ... where Raptors president Masai Ujiri was helping unveil a basketball court that a local foundation had helped renovate.

During the festivities, Ujiri announced he had a surprise for Carter -- revealing his team was going to hang the former superstar's No. 15 threads in its rafters at Scotiabank Arena.

Caitlin Clark is speaking out against the gross mistreatment of WNBA players this season ... saying no one should have to tolerate racist and hateful comments being hurled in their direction.

The W has seen a large increase in popularity after the former Iowa guard entered the league in April ... but it's clear some of the new spectators crossed way over the line when supporting their teams and players -- to the point where the org. and its players and coaches have had to address it numerous times.

After her Indiana Fever was eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week, Clark was asked about inappropriate fan behavior in her exit interview ... and she said the people who act out aren't really fans at all -- they're "trolls."

Magic Johnson says Bronny James simply isn't ready for the NBA just yet ... claiming what's truly best for LeBron's son is to spend a season developing his game in the G League before joining the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Hall of Famer shared his take on the father-son duo during his interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Thursday ... and while plenty of folks are interested in watching the James Gang take the court together in 2024-25 -- he thinks the experiment should be put on ice for a year.

"If I'm Bronny, I would tell my dad, 'Just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop,'" Johnson said. "He needs playing time. He doesn't need to be sitting on the Laker bench and not playing."

Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon is opening up on his brother's tragic death ... crediting his teammates for their support "every step of the way" -- even attending the funeral services.

Gordon spoke with the media on Thursday -- the first time since Drew's passing in May -- and he praised the players for being there for him as he grieved the unthinkable loss.

Gordon admitted he didn't have the strongest relationships outside of his family prior to the fatal car accident ... but now, he cherishes all his connections -- and he considers the players his "brothers."