Cleveland Cavs Scrubbing LeBron from Team Shop ... Slashing Jersey Prices

Well, that was quick.

LeBron James is no longer on the front page of the Cleveland Cavaliers online team shop -- and they're already slashing prices on his jerseys.

Don't worry, the new star getting the front-page treatment is Cavs rookie Collin Sexton -- you can buy his jersey for $110 (Kevin Love and J.R. Smith are also still on the front page).

But, now that LeBron's heading West ... the NBA's #2 selling jersey (behind Steph Curry) has been discounted from $110 to $66!

Gotta think people in Cleveland are still gonna buy LeBron jerseys though, right? Especially since the Cavs will 100% retire #23 at some point down the line.

Meanwhile, on the Lakers team store -- they're selling LeBron front and center!

Interested in some Bron purple and gold swag? An authentic #23 Lakers jersey will cost you $220!

If that's too rich for your blood, you can still find old-school Cedric Ceballos jerseys (#23) for WAYYYY cheaper!

Good luck!

Kyle Kuzma Fires TD Passes In Flag Game with NFL Stars

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KILLIN' THE GAME
TMZSports.com

Los Angeles Lakers star Kyle Kuzma can throw -- in fact, he was launching TD passes at a huge flag football game with NFL stars over the weekend ... and TMZ Sports has the footage.

The 6'9" power forward went under center at the Team Ross vs. Team Snoop charity game in Long Beach and did pretty well -- throwing strikes to NFL stars like Joe Mixon and John Ross.

Ultimately, Kyle's team lost after a crazy 4th quarter comeback by Team Snoop -- but it was fun as hell to watch and it all benefited the John Ross III Foundation, which helps provide educational opportunities to underprivileged kids.

Plus, the touchdown celebrations were pretty dope too -- with dancing and backflips ... and even some friendly trash talk.

A ton of stars came out to support -- including Trey Songz, Adoree Jackson, DeSean Jackson, Sidney Jones and DeShone Kizer.

'Idol's' Randy Jackson To LeBron James: Just Take My Money!

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PRICE OF GREATNESS
TMZSports.com

LeBron James just boosted the price of L.A. Lakers tickets in a HUGE way -- with rich stars like Randy Jackson admitting they would pay a bloody fortune to see Bron play at Staples Center.

"[I would pay] anything to see LeBron, dude ... one of the greatest players ever," the former "American Idol" judge just told us outside of Craig's in L.A. ... "I love him. I can't wait to see him."

By the way, season ticket prices on sites like StubHub have reportedly doubled since the announcement about LeBron ... with one buyer paying close to $200,000 for the upcoming season.

Also, Jackson said he'd love to work with LeBron if The King wants to get into music while he's in L.A. -- so, dude's got options.

... dawg.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Welcomes LeBron to L.A. ... 'I Love It'

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WARM WELCOME

Arnold Schwarzenegger is fired up about LeBron James -- and even made the The King a video to welcome LBJ to Los Angeles.

"This is so exciting that you're coming to the city of stars," Arnold said.

"And you'll be, without any doubt, the biggest star of all. On the court and off the court! I love it!"

He's not the only huge star excited about James becoming the newest Los Angeles Laker -- Snoop Dogg also posted on IG welcoming Bron to town.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

And, of course, Bron's newest teammate Lonzo Ball had a few words as well -- saying, "Y’all really thought he was gonna pass up the greatest city in the world... #TheKingIsHere."

Kobe Bryant also weighed in, saying ... "Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson."

Even Macaulay Culkin had some thoughts -- "Whoa. I just heard @KingJames signed with the Lakers. I didn't even know Los Angeles had a team."

LaVar Ball Told TMZ About LeBron Deal ... Back In February!

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THE LEBRON PREDICTION
TMZSports.com

Call him BallStradamus ... because LaVar Ball told TMZ Sports the LeBron James to the Lakers thing was a done deal way back in February.

Of course, back then there were rumblings about LeBron coming out west, but it was far from official.

Still, when we saw LaVar at a Big Baller Brand pop-up shop, he made it clear that he had no doubts about LeBron's future.

"Who said it was a rumor? Didn't I tell you he was coming here," Ball said in February.

"Lonzo's gonna make him a better player."

LaVar even had a nickname for the new LeBron, Lonzo Ball duo -- and it's more about his son than James.

LaVar hasn't said anything since the move became official on Sunday -- but, if there's anything we can count on, it's Ball weighing in soon ... and definitely patting himself on the back for the prediction.

LeBron James Agrees to Sign with Lakers ... 4 Years for $154 Million

The King has decided where he's going next in the NBA -- LeBron James is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers ... and for a helluva lot of money.

A press release from Klutch Sports -- which reps Bron -- came out Sunday saying James had agreed to a 4 year contract with Magic Johnson's team for $154 million. Magic is said to have engaged in immediate talks with LeBron the moment he landed in L.A. Saturday.

It's unclear who else might be joining LeBron at this point, but rumors are swirling that Magic and co. are trying to land Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs.

James told the Cavs Friday that he would be declining his $35.6 million contract option for next season and would become an unrestricted free agent -- reports say he's expected to make an official announcement about his new team on Tuesday.

Kyle Kuzma Wants to Stay In L.A. Trade Rumors Don't Bother Me

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GO WITH THE FLOW
TMZSports.com

Kyle Kuzma knows all about the rumors that he could get shipped out of L.A. -- but tells TMZ Sports he's not bothered by the trade talk ... and assures Lakers fans he wants to stay put.

The NBA star was leaving lunch at Via Alloro in Beverly Hills on Thursday where he told us he can't focus on front office stuff he can't control -- his only option is to work on getting better as a player.

We also talked about Stephen A. Smith's report that LeBron reached out to Kevin Durant about joining the Lakers together ... but Kuz said he ain't buyin' that one at all.

One thing he is excited about ... Zion Williamson -- the high school prodigy who's playing at Duke next year.

Kuz saw the crazy dunk from the free throw line -- and, just like the rest of us ... he can't wait to see the young man ball out at the next level.

Suns Player Jared Dudley Phoenix Has No Chance At LeBron ... It's 'Cleveland Or L.A.'

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UP TO THE KING
TMZSports.com

Devin Booker ... DeAndre Ayton ... Josh Jackson ... Elfrid Payton -- that sounds like a team LeBron could get down with, right?!?!

"Zero percent chance," Suns vet Jared Dudley says ... "Bron's not coming to Phoenix."

Well, OK then ... where is he going??

"Cleveland or L.A."

We got Jared on Rodeo Dr. earlier this week ... and despite the Suns loading up on young talent the last year or two -- Jared says there's no way in hell LBJ comes to the desert.

"Zero percent chance. He's not coming to Phoenix."

Dudley says it's OK, though ... in fact, he guaranteed Phoenix will be back in the playoffs in no time.

But ... ya gotta admit -- sure woulda been easier with the game's best player.

Willie Cauley-Stein LeBron's Coming to Lakers

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NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
TMZSports.com

At least one NBA star is convinced LeBron James has already made up his mind ... with Willie Cauley-Stein telling TMZ Sports the King is coming to L.A.

"He's coming HERE," the Sacramento Kings star told us outside Nightingale Plaza nightclub in L.A.

He also noted that there's no loyalty in the NBA, so anything is on the table when it comes to players and teams making moves.

By the way, Willie is DRIPPIN' in this clip -- with a Gucci bandana around his head, all sorts of diamonds around his neck and a Louis Vuitton x Supreme side bag around his chest.

Willie is toward the end of a 4-year, $15 million contract ... and will probably sign a huge deal moving forward -- so, why not spend if you're gonna get it?!

LaVar Ball If Lakers Trade Lonzo ... 'Worst Move They Ever Made'

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JUST SEE WHAT HAPPENS!
TMZSports.com

LaVar Ball has heard the trade rumors involving Lonzo Ball going to the Spurs ... and has a message for the Lakers:

"If they wanna trade him, trade him. It'll be the worst move they ever made."

LaVar went off at his JBA season opener on Thursday afternoon -- when we asked about the rumblings that Magic Johnson could ship Lonzo to San Antonio to get Kawhi Leonard.

"If they wanna trade him, trade him. If they don't wanna trade him, keep him. He's gonna do his thing. I'm not worried about no trades.

LaVar says he's still 100% confident all 3 of his boys will eventually play on the same NBA team, despite the fact LiAngelo wasn't drafted on Thursday.

"He'll come in the back door as a free agent," LaVar explained.

"Somebody will take all 3 of my boys and whoever do, guess what -- championship."

LiAngelo Ball Hanging at Dad's Hoops League ... Instead of NBA Draft

LiAngelo Ball -- who strongly believes he'll be drafted by an NBA team -- is NOT currently at an NBA Draft party. Instead, he's at a big event for his dad's new basketball league.

The former UCLA/Lithuanian league player was courtside at LaVar's JBA season opener at Citizen's Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA.

Remember, 'Gelo previously told us he was getting strong interest from NBA teams -- which may be the case -- but there's no draft fanfare like there was for Lonzo last year ... when he was selected as the second overall pic in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Speaking of Lonzo, he was also at the JBA event, along with his pregnant GF, Denise Garcia.

As for LaVar ... there's plenty of support at the JBA opener from close friends and family members -- but, to be honest, the arena is pretty empty.

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THE BIG DEBUT
TMZSports.com

Obviously, this is just the beginning for LaVar -- if the games are good and the talent is real ... his amateur hoops league has a shot.

Kobe Bryant Denied By Oscar Academy ... You Don't Have a Body Of Work!

Kobe Bryant just got rejected at the rim by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences -- which just denied membership to the Mamba ... claiming he doesn't have a good enough body of work.

You know what he does have? AN OSCAR!!!!

Kobe won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short for "Dear Basketball" -- which was based off a retirement letter he published on The Players' Tribune back in 2015.

Kobe is credited as the executive producer and writer of the film.

Worth noting, Oscar winners are automatically considered for membership -- but it's not a shoe-in. The board votes on who gets membership based on a specific criteria.

One of the items on the checklist for producers -- "have the equivalent of 2 producer screen credits and perform the majority of the functions of a producer on theatrical feature films of the caliber which in the opinion of the executive committee reflect the high standards of the Academy."

For the record, Kobe produced the docu-series 'Muse' -- but it doesn't appear that would qualify under the Academy's standards because it was produced for TV.

Still, there are some people who believe the membership denial is due to Kobe's controversial past and the rise of the #MeToo movement.

Despite the fact Kobe was cheered on by the Academy when he won at the Oscars, there has been serious blowback.

So, is this really about Kobe's resume ... or bad P.R.?

Josh Hart Everybody Chill Kyle & Lonzo Are Just Fine

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THE BEEF GOES ON
TMZSports.com

Anyone waiting for Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball to get into a full-blown beef is about to be disappointed ... because Lakers guard Josh Hart says everything is cool between the two guys.

Lonzo and Kuzma have been taking shots at each other on social media (and on rap songs) so much that the Lakers brass reportedly stepped in and asked them to stop.

So, we got Hart out at The Peppermint Club in L.A. (where he was partying with his teammate, Julius Randle) and asked him if it's getting outta hand ... and he broke it down for us.

Chill guys ... don't scare Kawhi away.

Kobe Bryant BEHOLD DADZILLA Still Swole With Daughter In Paris

Forget what you thought you knew about Kobe Bryant ... there is no Kobe, or Mamba ... because KB gave us a glimpse of who he has become ...

AND, HIS NAME IS DADZILLA!!

Kobe was seen out in France carrying his littlest daughter, Bianka Bella ... and the pythons jumping out of his torso made it clear that the age of DADZILLA is upon us.

BTW -- we didn't jump to this declaration easily ... this is the second time we've seen DADZILLA. The first time being a trip to Disneyland where the former mortal man looked more jacked than normal.

Now, we know it wasn't a one-off ... but the dawn of a new era.

Hide the weights and the protein powder.

Mark Jackson Trade Lonzo For Kawhi? ... HELL YEAH!!!

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BIG BUYERS ONLY
TMZSports.com

Mark Jackson says if the Lakers can get Kawhi Leonard ANYONE has to be on the trading block ... and that means any of their young stars ... including Lonzo Ball.

Talk in NBA circles is that Leonard wants OUT of San Antonio ... and IN to the Purple and Gold. But for that to happen, the Lakers would have to trade someone of value.

We got Mark out in Calabasas ... and he said it doesn't matter who that someone of value is, because Kawhi is too much of a beast to pass up on.

"I'm getting a top five player in the world so I definitely would be very aggressive in trying to get a home run hitter in my lineup."

Translating ex-NBA coach speak ... EVERYONE MUST GO!!!

FYI -- We also asked MJ if he thought LeBron and Kawhi would be enough to topple the Warriors ... and he's saying there's a CHANCE.

LeBron James Gets Own Weed Strain ... Courtesy Of The Game

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HIGH-LY RECRUITED

The Game has created a brand new strain of marijuana -- obviously named after LeBron James -- and he's hoping it helps convince the NBA superstar to sign with the Lakers.

It's called "'LA' Bron James -- and created by Game's marijuana company, "Trees By Game" -- and the rapper says there's a very specific reason why he developed this strain.

"[It's] a strain inspired by my city & them trying to bring King James to the LAKESHOW."

FYI, Game is from Los Angeles -- and he's a die-hard fan of the Purple & Gold (and green too).

For the record, Game -- just like the Warriors -- has already smoked James. He liked it.

LeBron will obviously see a TON of recruiting pitches over the next few months -- this might be the most creative!