Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James left little to the imagination while speaking with reporters after the Lakers game on Wednesday ... answering questions in a tiny towel!!

The King apparently didn't have time to throw on some street clothes before getting bombarded with questions after L.A.'s road win over the Chicago Bulls ... but he didn't seem to mind, cracking jokes and praising his teammate, Austin Reaves, as he talked about the matchup.

But the interview was overshadowed by the fact 38-year-old Bron was pretty naked -- aside from a towel securely tied at the hip -- and most of his left thigh was clearly visible.

The nearly-nude Q&A has some wondering whether it's necessary for the media to have access to players right after they get out of the showers ... with others loving the clip out of sheer horniness by dropping some pretty NSFW reactions on Twitter.

As for the game, the Lakers beat the Bulls 121-110 ... and Reaves got revenge on Patrick Beverley for hitting LeBron with the "too small" gesture when the two teams met earlier this week.

LeBron James took a day away from the Lakers to put on his Dad hat and watch his son at the McDonald's All-America Game -- and, by the looks of things, he couldn't have been happier to do it!!

Two days after losing to the Bulls and one day before the two teams play in a rematch in Chicago, LBJ got away from his L.A. teammates for a night to catch Bronny James in the prestigious All-Star game in Houston, Texas.

The King had courtside seats for the 18-year-old's big night ... and you can tell, he was thrilled to watch his son in the event on his night off.

Bron, who himself played in the game in 2003, took selfies with his family in their floor seats -- before celebrating every big bucket that Bronny made.

In fact, after nearly every 3-pointer that Bronny sunk, LeBron stood up and made sure everyone knew it was his kid with the sharp shot.

Bronny gave Dad a ton to cheer about, too ... he hit FIVE 3-pointers, scoring 15 total points in the contest.

The young James ended up losing, but it ain't hard to see none of that mattered to LeBron, who was beaming with his son and the rest of his family after the game.

Lamar Odom played the role of Santa about nine months early this year ... deciding to send a bunch of gifts to a hooper in Africa -- after he was inspired by the way the man was training with beat-up gear.

The baller's name is Nkwain Kennedy, and he's gained hundreds of thousands of followers on social media the past year or so after posting inspirational videos of himself working out with destroyed basketballs and tattered kicks.

A rep for Odom says the ex-LA Lakers star caught one of Kennedy's vids recently while scrolling through Instagram ... and he was so moved by the footage, he wanted to put together a care package for the guy.

Odom got in touch with Kennedy through social media, found out his shoe size and his Cameroon address and FedExed him a box full of goodies.

We're told the present included two Wilson basketballs, Reebok Allen Iverson and Nike Giannis Antetokounmpo kicks, some Nike socks ... and a handwritten note.

"To Nkwain," Odom wrote on the card. "Love the hustle. God bless."

Odom autographed the note as well.

Chevy Chase met LeBron James for the first time Wednesday night at the Suns-Lakers game -- and the two icons seemed to really hit it off, sharing a warm embrace with one another on the court at Crypto.com Arena.

Chase -- a longtime Lakers fan who frequented games during the "Showtime Era" -- was invited by Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis, wife of Kurt Rambis, to attend the Western Conference showdown between Phoenix and L.A.

Chevy didn't get to see LeBron play -- King James is still sidelined with a foot injury -- but the 79-year-old comedian got some face time with the Lakers superstar nonetheless ... and the guys really seemed to enjoy their interaction.

Chase hit up the game with his agent, Darren Prince -- and when he wasn't chatting with LeBron, he was taking pics courtside with Jeanie, and her fiancé, actor/comedian Jay Mohr.

Chevy wasn't the only legend at the game ... rapper Lil Wayne and NFL free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were also courtside watching Devin Booker and Chris Paul go at it with Anthony Davis.

Kevin Garnett revealed he squashed his beef with former teammate Ray Allen because of Kobe Bryant ... saying the tragic and unexpected death of the NBA icon made him realize life's too short to be angry.

Quick refresher ... Allen, KG, and Paul Pierce were teammates with the Boston Celtics, where they won the NBA title together in 2008.

However, their Big 3 was split up when Ray left for the Miami Heat in 2012 ... a move that really pissed off KG, who felt some type of way when the 10-time All-Star chose their conference rival over him and Paul.

"What made the Ray situation so prolific with us is because the structure we built in Boston, the three of us built that," Garnett told Kevin Hart on his "Cold as Balls" show this week. "So if it was one team we had an issue with, it was Miami."

"I wasn't looking at it like, better business decision for Ray, [or] Ray has a chance to get another ring -- I ain't take on none of that! I was in my own feelings!"

But, when Kobe passed away on January 26, 2020, it changed Garnett's whole mindset ... culminating with the former friends turned enemies coexisting together, peacefully, at the NBA's 75th Anniversary event, as well as hugging it out at KG's jersey retirement ceremony in 2022.

“The passing of Kob and all of us getting older helped me understand that life is not given to none of us," the hooper said.

"It would have f***ed with me if something were to happen to Ray and I didn’t get a chance to amend this."

"I got off the bulls***."

Kobe Bryant's hand and footprints were forever enshrined at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and the Bryant family was on hand for the moving ceremony ... with Natalia Bryant delivering an emotional speech about her dad.

Mamba's prints were originally cast in February 2011 -- the day before KB was named All-Star Game MVP -- but were permanently displayed on Wednesday in front of the iconic theatre.

Until today, the one-of-a-kind concrete was displayed inside the theatre and was only visible to fans seeing a show.

"I'm honored to be here today to recognize the man we all knew and love, my dad, Kobe Bryant," Natalia Bryant told fans at the ceremony, also attended by Lakers owner Jeannie Buss and Byron Scott.

"When most people knew him as a basketball player or storyteller, I got to know him and love him as my dad and let me tell you, he's the MVP of girl dads, to say the least."

"As you visit here for years to come, I encourage you to place your hands in his and take a moment to stand in his shoes."

Natalia, who is studying film in college, was clearly touched her pops was honored at such an historic location.

"Dad, you are an icon, a legend, a storyteller," Natalia said ... "And, most important, the best girl dad any young woman can dream of."

Kobe was the first athlete to have his hands and feet stamped in concrete.

LeBron James is still sidelined with an injury, but that didn't stop him from making a highlight play on Tuesday  -- the L.A. superstar had an adorable moment with a young fan when he penned a special message in a copy of his "I Promise" book for her!!

James was on the bench as his Lakers defeated the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans ... but when he wasn't cheering on his teammates, he was busy connecting with a little girl in the stands named Parker, who was wearing a purple and gold #6 James jersey.

"Dear Parker, Nice meeting you!" LeBron said of the interaction on Instagram. "You’re a beautiful Young Black Queen! Don’t let nothing stop u from being whatever your mind and heart desires! Just from our short encounter yesterday I know you’re destined for greatness and i will always love you!!!"

"God bless you and best wishes to you ♾️🤎! Sincerely Mr. LeBron James aka Bugs Bunny friend!"

Of course, the "I Promise" book, published in 2020, shares the same name as the "I Promise" school that James helped start in Akron, Ohio ... and it reminds kids that success starts with them.

After James finished writing in the book ... he shared a warm embrace with the little girl, and it appears she mouths, "Thank you," to the 4-time MVP before walking away.

As we previously reported, James was working out and getting up some free throws at the team's shootaround earlier Tuesday ... the first time since he went down with the tendon injury.

LeBron James just gave L.A. fans a reason to be optimistic ... the Lakers superstar is back working out on an NBA court for the first time since suffering a right foot injury.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin posted a clip of James -- who was diagnosed with a "tendon injury" earlier this month -- shooting some free throws at the team's shootaround before the Lakers face the Pelicans Tuesday night in New Orleans.

James was ruled out of action for three weeks ... and many Lakers fans feared their season was in jeopardy after LBJ was spotted in a walking boot.

James ditched the boot during the Lakers' game against the Knicks on Sunday ... which was a welcoming sight for fans who are still clinging to hopes of making the playoffs.

After the game ... James and his wife, Savannah, hit up the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party -- and as usual, the star-studded couple was dressed to impress!

In between rehabbing and blazing red carpets, the 4-time MVP supported his oldest son, Bronny, as he wrapped up his high school basketball career with Sierra Canyon.

It's unclear when LeBron will officially return ... but James seemingly hinted that day could be soon with his recent Instagram post.

The Lakers are currently 9th in the Western Conference ... and it'll be a tight race for the postseason. Needless to say, the Purple & Gold are hoping the King is out there.

It was the Lakers and Knicks who took priority for Denzel Washington and Spike Lee on Hollywood's biggest night -- the two A-listers skipped the Oscars to catch the NBA teams go at it in L.A.!!!

Washington and Lee ditched stage-side seats at the famed movie award ceremony for courtside ones at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday evening ... and didn't seem one bit displeased with their choice.

The guys were seen sharing a hug before the game ... clearly not stressing about missing the Oscars -- which were taking place at the same time less than 10 miles away at the Dolby Theatre.

Lee, of course, is a huge Knicks fan -- and Denzel is a big Lakers one ... and the two talked smack to each other about their teams throughout the contest.

Lee ended up getting the last laugh -- the Knicks beat the Lakers 112-108 ... though Washington didn't seem too beat up over it all.

The actors weren't the only celebs at the game ... star boxers Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia, plus Flea, were there too.

In fact, Washington and Davis had a moment with each other before the game, where Denzel voiced some big support for the fighter.

Super emotional night at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday ... Kobe Bryant's good friend, Pau Gasol, had his jersey retired next to the Mamba's -- and both Gasol and Vanessa Bryant had to wipe away tears during the ceremony.

The festivities went down at halftime of the Lakers' game against the Grizzlies ... when L.A. formally retired Pau's No. 16 after he helped Kobe win two NBA championships in his seven seasons in the purple and gold.

Vanessa kicked everything off with a pre-recorded video ... where she blew a kiss to Pau, and then played him a clip of Kobe saying back in 2018 that he couldn't wait for the day when the duo's jerseys would hang next to each other in the L.A. arena's rafters.

Pau's yellow uniform was then revealed next to Kobe's No. 24 -- and Gasol immediately began crying.

TV cameras showed he had to wipe away tears multiple times. Later during the ceremony, Vanessa could be seen appearing to tear up as well.

During his speech, Pau said he missed Kobe dearly ... telling the crowd in attendance, "I love him. I wish he was here with Gigi. I really do."

A bunch of Kobe and Gasol's former teammates were there ... Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujačić and Metta Sandiford-Artest showed up. Jimmy Butler, who flew to L.A. in between Miami's two home games, was in attendance too.

NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also had seats for the ceremony ... along with their former teammates, James Worthy and Jamaal Wilkes.

Magic commended the Lakers for the touching tribute to Gasol ... tweeting, "A big thumbs up to Laker Owner Jeanie Buss & the entire organization for a tremendous evening honoring Pau Gasol!"

"Congratulations @paugasol on your jersey retirement!"

Ex-NBA star Matt Barnes says LeBron James has done enough in a Laker uniform to be forever enshrined outside Crypto.com Arena ... but tells TMZ Sports they gotta focus on getting Kobe Bryant's statue up before they even think about it.

We spoke with Barnes weeks after James became the NBA's all-time scoring leader ... and we asked if the record, plus his one NBA title in L.A., is enough to get a monument at 1111 S. Figueroa Street.

The former Lakers forward says he's with it ... but not before Kobe, who has yet to get the treatment since his retirement in 2016.

"S***, they gotta worry about getting that Kobe statue up first," Barnes said at LAX on Wednesday.

The Lakers retired both Bryant's #8 and #24 in 2017 ... but as of right now, no details have been announced regarding his statue outside "The House That Kobe Built" -- aside from the fact it will happen eventually.

Of course, Bryant has been honored in many ways since his death in January 2020, including murals and themed basketball courts across the world. Sculptor Dan Medina, also placed a temporary statue of Kobe and his daughter, Gigi, at the crash site on the anniversary of their death.

The NBA also renamed their All-Star Game MVP trophy in his honor.

As for James, Barnes believes a King James statue in L.A. will still happen -- 'cause let's face it, he's "an all-time great."

"I'm sure they'll find a way to honor him with a statue," Barnes said.

If it happens, LeBron and Kobe will join fellow Lakers greats like Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and broadcaster Chick Hearn.

LeBron James' foot injury didn't stop him from going to Bronny's playoff game on Thursday night ... and he's sure as hell glad that was the case, 'cause he got to see his kid go OFF in a thriller!!

The young James and his Sierra Canyon squad went up against sixth-seeded Etiwanda in Chatsworth, Calif. in a CIF State regional quarterfinal game ... and Bronny had quite the night.

The 6-foot-3 guard -- who was just selected to the McDonald's All-American Game -- scored 21 points from all over the court ... and even got a chance to throw down a huge dunk in front of dad.

LeBron was front and center to watch it all -- cheering his face off -- while making sure to keep his injured foot protected by a huge walking boot.

Riding Bronny's performance, the Trailblazers ultimately won the important game, 61-55 -- and LeBron couldn't have been happier about it afterward.

"Bronny you were SPECIAL tonight kid!!" James said via Twitter. "Keep going! AlwaysProudDad"

Bronny's S.C. team will now head to the semifinals to face Bishop Montgomery, the tourney's No. 2 seed, on Saturday.

Lucky for 'Bron, the Lakers are off on that date ... so, it's more than likely he'll be courtside for the big game then, too.

LeBron James' right foot issue has officially been classified as a "tendon injury" ... which will keep the Lakers superstar sidelined at least three weeks, the team announced Thursday.

It's unclear if James will play again this season ... as he will be reevaluated again after his time away.

The news is a big blow to the Lakers, who are trying to claw their way into playoff contention with the season winding down.

L.A. is currently 11th in the Western Conference standings with a 30-33 record ... and will need to move up at least one more spot in order to make the NBA play-in tournament.

LeBron was initially listed out of Tuesday's matchup against the Grizzlies with a sore foot ... but required more testing to figure out what exactly was wrong. He was spotted limping while wearing a big boot on his lower leg during the loss.

The Lakers have been dealing with multiple injuries recently -- Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell also missed Wednesday night's game against the Thunder ... but despite being short-handed, the Purple and Gold were able to pull out a win.

LeBron James might not be playing right now, but he's still gaming -- the NBA superstar recently teamed up with PlayStation for a limited edition console cover and controllers -- designed by the King himself!

Eric Lempel, PlayStations' SVP and Head of Global Marketing, made the announcement on Wednesday ... saying the video game giant and LBJ joined forces and created an exclusive PS5 console cover and DualSense wireless controller.

"We couldn’t have asked for a more ideal partner to be the first-ever collaborator to design limited-edition PlayStation products," Lempel said.

"It was great to see LeBron’s vision for the design come to life and showcase his passions for gaming and community. We hope PlayStation fans will love this design as much as we enjoyed helping create it."

It came out dope -- the black cover and controller have bright images of King James' crown and the middle touch panel features, "Nothing is given. Everything is earned."

It also pays tribute to LBJ's "I Promise" charity on the right-hand side, including phrases "Chosen Ones" and "Build. Uplift. Empower."

"Had fun with this one @playstation!! 🎮," the 38-year-old said on Instagram.

"These words inspire me and my I Promise students and I hope do the same for gamers all over. Still crazy to think a kid from Akron who grew up playing games is getting to create something like this!"

The partnership is pretty much perfect for LeBron -- he was famous for traveling around with his own PS2 console when he entered the league in 2003.

And, if you're a fan of LBJ, then you know he's still a big gamer at 38 years old ... and his wife, Savannah, has caught him on camera several times goin' in on PS5, especially when it comes to 'Madden.'

In fact, the 5-time NBA champ recently featured in the "God of War Ragnarök" video game trailer with his son, Bronny Jr.

Vanessa Bryant just received a heck of a lot more money from L.A. County after her initial $15 million win last year ... another $13 mil or so, in fact, which now accounts for her kids.

Kobe Bryant's widow has settled with L.A. County, amounting to a total of $28.8 million -- this according to her lawyer, who says this resolves both Vanessa's original complaint and subsequent award ... as well as any potential future claims from her surviving daughters.

Unclear when, but it seems Vanessa amended her initial lawsuit to add 20-year-old Natalia, 6-year-old Bianka and 3-year-old Capri. The settlement resolves all claims.

Vanessa's lawyer, Luis Li, says, "Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct." He adds, "She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect. We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice."

You'll recall ... Vanessa actually went to trial over this, taking the stand with emotional testimony about how the thought of those photos of Kobe and Gigi's remains possibly being leaked out publicly tortured her -- something a jury agreed with in the end.

They awarded her $16M ... but a mil got knocked down afterward due to a clerical error. Vanessa and her team had previously said she'd be donating the money from this to her Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation -- and in light of this, there's more to go around.

Here's one accessory no Laker fan ever wants to see the stylish LeBron James wearing -- a huge walking boot on his right leg ... that could signal his season is very much in jeopardy of being over.

The King wore the massive foot protector to L.A.'s game against Memphis on Tuesday night -- just two days after he initially injured the lower leg playing against the Dallas Mavericks.

James walked gingerly in the brace as he made his way around the Tennessee arena in street clothes -- a horrible sign for the Lakers, who need to win the majority of their remaining 20 games to have a chance at making the playoffs next month.

To make matters worse for LeBron's L.A. squad -- the Lakers took it on the chin without their star player ... falling to Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, 121-109.

It's not clear when -- or even if -- LeBron can make it back to the team at some point this season ... he's reportedly been shut down for at least two weeks to allow the foot a chance to heal.

And, if the team isn't in striking distance of making the postseason by the end of those 14 days, he reportedly could be done until the 2023-24 season.

James clearly ain't happy about it all -- he posted an Instagram of his injured leg on Monday night saying, "Fkn sucks!!!!"