NBA

Denver Nuggets star Isaiah Thomas is now Zion Williamson's unofficial career adviser now -- telling the Duke star to STOP PLAYING COLLEGE BALL ASAP ... and wait for the NBA.

Actually, IT was much more to the point -- "Zion sit yo ass down lol and we will be ready for you in the big boy league."

Thomas has a real issue with NBA rules that forbids top players from entering the NBA Draft right out of high school. The rule has forced players like Zion to go the 1-and-done route at schools like Duke.

Enter Thomas ... who hates the whole system.

"Let these kids go straight out of HS!!! Too much on the line to be messing with college if you got a legit chance to turn pro," Thomas said on Twitter.

"If they not tryna pay these college athletes then the nba should let them come straight outta HS. If college was paying these athletes then it would be a different story but since they not let these kids go get this money if they have the chance too."

There are some people who say stars like Zion should simply sit out the year -- thereby minimizing the risk of injury. But, Thomas doesn't like that option either.

"I don’t like the sitting out part. Even the sitting out part of the combine. I’m just saying let the kids make a decision what they want to do and then you go from there. You know we don’t want any handouts we GO TAKE what’s OURS."

Boogie Cousins is siding with IT ... teeing off on the NCAA at practice on Thursday, saying college basketball is "bullsh*t" and thinks Zion should prep for the next level.

Not everyone feels the same way ... ex-NBA star Kenny Smith says top players like Zion SHOULD play one year of college ball because "iron sharpens iron."

President Barack Obama was quick to show love for Zion Williamson after watching him suffer an injury 30 seconds into the Duke vs. NC game ... wishing the college star a speedy recovery.

You've heard about it by now ... Zion's Nike shoe blew out shortly after tip-off Wednesday night, resulting in a mild knee sprain. Obama was sitting in the front row when it all went down.

"Zion Williamson seems like an outstanding young man as well as an outstanding basketball player," #44 tweeted after the game. "Wishing him a speedy recovery."

It didn't take an expert lip reader to figure out Obama's reaction to the injury -- cameras captured Barack's shocked look while he mouthed the words, "His shoe broke!"

LeBron James -- who's also a big fan of Zion -- tweeted out support for the young star as well, saying, "Hope young fella is ok! Literally blew thru his [shoe]."

The freak injury didn't stop Obama from being fan-friendly with the Cameron Crazies ... dappin' up all the folks who packed into the crowded arena for the big game.

Check out the footage we got from inside the arena showing Barack posing for pics before the game -- and meeting fans throughout the night.

The Blue Devils ended up losing 88-72 without their superstar ... and Zion's status will be evaluated on Thursday.

5:18 PM PT -- Khloe has followed suit, deleting all recent photos of Tristan on her Instagram.

Kim Kardashian feels betrayed by Tristan Thompson and Kylie's best friend, Jordyn Woods ... so now, they're dead to her on Instagram.

Kim pulled the plug -- unfollowing the 2 on Instagram -- in the wake of TMZ's story that Khloe split with Tristan after he hooked up with Jordyn over the weekend at an L.A. house party.

As we reported, Khloe broke up with Tristan over the latest cheating scandal, and this one has a twist with a ripple effect through the entire Kardashian fam.

The big question now ... what's Kylie gonna do? We're told at first she didn't believe the story, but after talking with friends she's come around. As you know, Kylie and Jordyn have been inseparable ... Jordyn even lives in Kylie's guesthouse.

Kim has 127 million followers on Insta and now only follows 120 folks.

It's been 2 weeks since Bobby Portis was traded to the Washington Wizards, but the dude is clearly still upset with the Chicago Bulls ... telling TMZ Sports how the team straight "blindsided" him.

"I was very disappointed," Porter tells us ... "I was getting ready for a game, not knowing it was gonna happen ... you know, getting blindsided."

"But, I'm just happy to be with a team now that really wants me. I can't wait to get back started."

The 24-year-old was drafted by the Bulls in the 1st round of the 2015 NBA Draft -- and obviously felt he would be a Bull for a long time.

But, Chicago sent him packing in a deal for Otto Porter Jr. -- and now Portis is focused on settling in with his new team in his new city.

"They have a good basketball culture here," Portis said ... "I'm just happy to be a part of it."

By the way, the Wizards are only 2 games out of the playoff race -- and Portis is optimistic they can make a serious run.

Being president is pretty cool ... but Barack Obama's biggest accomplishment came on the hardwood ... 'cause 44 says he's the man behind Stephen Curry's dangerous jumper!!

Obama and Curry hosted a town hall meeting for the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in Oakland on Tuesday ... and naturally, Barry had to let the jokes fly when introducing the 2-time MVP.

"Even Bulls fans have to acknowledge that it's been fun to watch the Warriors and the greatest shooter of all time -- because I gave him some tips right before, about 5 seasons ago, there's film of this in the White House."

Steph doubled down on the quip ... saying Obama fixed his "chicken wing" jumper as well as his resume ... calling him "the best mentor" (which might not be a joke).

The duo traded zingers before getting serious about helping minority youth in America, the work their MBK Alliance has accomplished in the 5 years of its existence ... and what needs to happen moving forward.

Khloe Kardashian has thrown in the towel, breaking up with Tristan Thompson after she found out her baby daddy allegedly cheated on her with Kylie Jenner's best friend ... TMZ has learned.

We're told Tristan flew into Los Angeles to spend Valentine's Day Thursday with Khloe and their daughter, True. On Sunday night he was at a house party, where we're told he snuggled up with Kylie's BFF, Jordyn Woods.

Witnesses tell us Tristan and Jordyn were all over each other ... making out. We're told Khloe found out and immediately broke things off with the NBA player ... a source tells us "she has had enough."

We're told there's little chance for reconciliation ... Khloe and Tristan are done.

You'll recall back in October 2017, Tristan was at a hookah lounge in Washington D.C. where he motorboated a woman and got handsy with another. The video surfaced days before Khloe gave birth, and just before she delivered he was seen on video going into an NYC hotel with yet another woman.

Khloe hasn't been back to Cleveland much this season, though the 2 still remained together. She was on hand when Tristan's team ended an extended losing streak.

We don't know Kylie's reaction to the latest development, but she and Jordyn have been inseparable.

See that hand?? Yeah, that's Kyle Kuzma's hand ... and now you wish you were Kyle Kuzma.

The 23-year-old Lakers star is getting some well-deserved R&R before the All-Star break ends ... taking a boat trip in Miami with an insanely attractive model ... and cuppin' a handful of ass in the process.

Kuz -- who won the MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge this past weekend -- kept the winning going on Monday with rumored girlfriend Katya Elise Henry ... a model with nearly 6 million followers on IG.

The couple(?) have yet to acknowledge any real romance on social media ... but it doesn't take a genius to put 2 and 2 together with this one, thanks to Kuz's body art.

The rumors date back to last year when KEH was spotted attending Laker games ... and this pretty much closes the case.

On top of being ridiculously hot, Henry -- a Miami native -- is also a businesswoman with her own workout plan (including an 8-week "booty program") and bikini line.

No word on whether this is love or just young kids having fun ... but it's clear there are no losers here.

LeBron James has a new teammate ... 2 CHAINZ!!! 'Cause the Lakers superstar just announced his first music project starring the "It's A Vibe" rapper.

The King is takin' his first shot at being an A&R exec ... teaming up with the Georgia rapper for, "Rap Or Go To The League," a 14-track album coming out March 1.

LBJ announced the collab with a video of the duo in the studio ... choppin' it up about things like the tracklist, features and release plans -- all the things a music exec has to deal with.

"Can’t wait for y’all to hear the continues evolution of his profound skills from his mind to the booth to the records itself," Bron says, "Proud of you homie and the people will be as well when this hits!"

2 Chainz added ... "It's gonna be shocking for people to know how much input you had on (the project.)"

No word on whether Bron actually got in the booth to spit some bars ... but we know he's fully capable of doing so.

Scottie Pippen says he's a fan of Luke Walton -- but tells TMZ Sports, if his old pal, Phil Jackson, was coaching the Lakers, they'd be well on their way to an NBA title already.

Look, this definitely ain't an aggressive shot at Luke -- but, Pippen kept it 100 telling us, "That's all he [Phil Jackson] do is win."

Scottie was braving the frozen tundra of Bev Hills (it was 58 degrees) on Monday when we asked about the situation with the Lakers ... currently in 10th place in the Western Conference.

Pippen told us he'd love to see 73-year-old Phil come out of retirement for another crack at a Larry O'Brien Trophy ... and he's confident LeBron, Lonzo and Kuzma could get the job done.

Scottie won 6 NBA rings under Jackson during his run with the Chicago Bulls. Phil went on to win 5 more with the L.A. Lakers.

Of course, there are reports of turmoil in Laker Nation -- with members of LeBron's camp allegedly pushing for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to replace Luke ASAP.

We spoke with Luke on Sunday -- and he denied friction with LeBron, telling TMZ Sports, "LeBron and I get along just fine."

So, what happens now? Luke says he's confident he can right the ship and lead the Lakers to the playoffs.

Draymond Green spared no expense when he proposed to his girlfriend last month -- TMZ Sports has learned the ring he used to pop the question is worth $300,000!!!

Remember, Warriors coach Steve Kerr accidentally broke the news a few weeks ago that Green got engaged to actress and "Basketball Wives" regular Hazel Renee ... but now, we've got deets.

There was a helicopter. There was a yacht. Oh yeah, and a big ass ring.

Turns out, Day Day hit up Jason of Beverly Hills for the 6-carat flawless diamond ring ... and the NBAer had his fingerprint on the whole thing.

"Draymond was very involved in the design process," Jason Arasheben, CEO Jason of Beverly Hills tells us.

"I took multiple trips up to the Bay to show him stone options and to choose the setting. He was very particular about the quality of the center stone. He wanted only the best for Hazel."

... and he got it!

Congrats to the couple -- and if you're wondering when the two will actually tie the knot, maybe ask Steve Kerr (he seems to know things).

Anthony Hamilton says the NBA wanted a pre-screening of his All-Star game National Anthem performance -- most likely to avoid another Fergie-ish disaster.

Anthony came on "TMZ Live" to break down the reasons why he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" the way he did -- which got rave reviews Sunday night ahead of the tip-off. AH says Colin Kaepernick actually played a role in how he arranged it.

Check out his explanation ... it's interesting, especially now that Kap has settled with the NFL.

We also asked him about the elephant in the room -- his predecessor's widely mocked version from last year. He says the league had some specific guidelines, including getting a preview of his rehearsals for the gig.

Turns out the NBA's got good taste in music ... because Anthony won over the crowd in Charlotte -- his hometown, BTW -- and also everyone watching at home ... based on the immediate reaction on social media.

No shirts were taken off, twisted around hands and spun like helicopters at NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte ... and Petey Pablo is pissed.

Remember, Pablo's 2001 hit, "Raise Up," is all about North Carolina pride -- and the NBA even used the song in an All-Star game promo.

But Pablo, who's from NC, wasn't invited to perform during the ASW festivities -- and it's clear he's upset about it, calling out the NBA, TNT and the Charlotte Hornets on social media.

"To all my fans thank you guys for all the love and support. You will have to ask @NBA @NBAonTNT @hornets @NBAAllStar why I wasn’t added as a performer this year for all star.

"I guess they just wanted to rock the building and not tear the whole roof off."

Instead, ASW featured performers like Meek Mill, J. Cole and constant tributes to the Curry family (Steph, Seth and Dell all have deep ties to NC).

The players didn't seem to miss Petey -- as evidenced by this pic of LeBron James and his teammates coming out of the locker room at halftime to watch J. Cole perform.

Lakers' head coach Luke Walton says he doesn't know ANYTHING about reports of friction between him and LeBron James ... telling TMZ Sports, "LeBron and I get along just fine."

The 38-year-old head coach had just touched down at LAX where he let us ask some Lakers questions -- and couldn't have been nicer about it.

On how the season is going so far, Luke told us he thinks it's "good" but points out how injuries to guys like LeBron, Lonzo and others have had an impact.

Still, Luke is optimistic -- telling us, "We'll be alright."

In fact, Walton told us he still thinks the 28-29 Lakers (currently in 10th place in the West) could make the playoffs ... saying, "We have some work to do, but we can do it."

ESPN's Jackie MacMullan recently reported about tension in the Lakers locker room between players and the head coach ... saying in late January, "It's clear to me ... that LeBron's camp would prefer a coaching change. They're not too subtle about that."

Luke cracks a smile when we asked about those reports -- probably because there's more to the story he's just not ready to say publicly yet.

Talk about a complete 180 for the National Anthem performance at this year's NBA All-Star Game ... sorry, Fergie.

Anthony Hamilton took the reigns Sunday to do his own rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," and he absolutely killed it ... even with a slowed-down version -- unlike his predecessor.

The soul singer took his time, and hit every note he needed to ... and the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Even more telling ... no NBA players were laughing. You'll recall ... Fergie had guys like Draymond Green and others giggling on the court.

Fergie eventually came out and apologized for her performance after it was roasted by just about everyone, saying she tried her best.

No question ... Anthony's got Fergie beat. But the real question now is, who did better ... AH or Marvin Gaye??? In case you didn't know, MG belted out what many consider to be the best rendition of the National Anthem during the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.

Louisiana legend James Carville says if Anthony Davis doesn't wanna be in New Orleans he can GET LOST because the Pelicans deserve a player that actually WANTS to play for them.

He also cannot stop talking about the surging LSU Tigers basketball team.

Carville is a Louisiana sports superfan, so when we got him out we had to ask about the Bayou state's latest pro sports drama ... AD trying to make his way to L.A.

That's when James gave it to Davis ... saying if the beauty and majesty of magnolias, swamps, amazing food, and rich culture aren't good enough for the superstar, he can kick rocks.

"If he wants to go, go. I don't want to have somebody who doesn't wanna be here, but I want to get something for him."

JC wasn't finished talking basketball ... and decked out in all LSU gear asked our camera guy if he saw that LSU had beaten Kentucky in Kentucky ... a rare feat for the Tigers ... James was downright giddy.

Lakers super fan Ice Cube says Scottie Pippen is WRONG when he says LeBron James doesn't have the clutch gene ... but RIGHT when he says LBJ is no Michael Jordan ... or Kobe Bryant.

Pippen took some shots at LeBron recently ... actually, he pretty much destroyed the guy on "ESPN First Take," saying the King turns into a peasant during crunch time in games.

We got Ice Cube at LAX and asked the lifelong NBA fan if there's any truth to Scottie's scathing critique, and the West Coast legend said no ... and yes.

"I think he does have the clutch gene, but not too many people in the world got the Kobe and Jordan gene."

So ... LeBron is clutch, just not Kobe or Jordan clutch. So, he's not like a high-priced Gucci clutch bag (no disrespect to T.I.) he's more like a Coach clutch bag (no disrespect to Coach).

Makes sense ... Cube went on to say LeBron shouldn't sweat Scottie's opinion, because he's got 3 rings and it doesn't matter, but we think Cube forgot one thing.