NBA

The basketball net from one of the most legendary sporting events ever -- Willis Reed's miraculous comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals -- is up for auction!!!

The backstory ... Red Holzman's NY Knicks -- who had a great 60-22 season -- were favored to beat the L.A. Lakers in the Finals. However, the Knicks championship aspirations appeared to sustain a death blow when superstar Willis Reed tore his thigh muscle in Game 5.

Knotted up at 3 games each, no one expected Reed to play in the decisive 7th game. Somehow, he did ... limping onto the Madison Square Garden hardwood to a roaring ovation.

Reed scored the game's first 2 baskets ... and played lockdown defense on Wilt Chamberlain.

The Knicks won the game 113-99 ... and were NBA champions for the first time.

After the game, the net from one of the hoops was presented to Holzman ... and the Hall of Fame coach kept them until his death in 1998.

After he passed away, Red's family held the net until now ... when they put the historic piece of memorabilia up for auction at SCP Auctions.

Now, it can be yours, hoop fans ... bidding ends Saturday afternoon.

Lonzo Ball has taken his career into his own hands ... saying he's "making all the decisions now" ... and taking control from LaVar.

The New Orleans Pelicans star -- who LaVar recently referred to as "damaged goods" -- told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski he's not letting his dad get involved in his business decisions anymore ... and their relationship will improve because of it.

"My dad has always been talking my whole life. It's nothing different to me," Zo says.

"I think what makes it easier is that I'm controlling everything now. You really can't tell me what to do. This is my life, my career. I'm making all the decisions now. I chose to go to CAA. I just think me becoming my own man is going to make it easier, honestly."

Zo also spoke about the career advice he's given his younger brother, LaMelo ... and he basically told the top hoops prospect to be his own man and not let Dad take over.

"I told him, make sure he takes control of his career. Now," Lonzo said. "Don't wait like I did. Hopefully that helps him. He seems like he's taking it all in. I'm excited for him."

Lonzo says if he could go back in time, he'd take meetings with shoe brands like Nike and Adidas instead of boxing them out for the family business ... although he doesn't regret sticking with BBB.

Zo also addressed the infamous "damaged goods" scene from their "Ball in the Family" reality show ... saying it's all out of love.

Former #1 overall pick Markelle Fultz is desperately trying to salvage his NBA career ... and he turned to Kobe Bryant for help, spending the summer at Mamba's training facility.

Fultz -- who was drafted before NBA stars like Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell -- has seen his career get off to a super shaky start.

Over 2 seasons, Fultz -- who's now on the Orlando Magic -- has only played in 33 games (he started 15) ... averaging only 7.7 points per game, 3.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds.

But, Markelle -- who's still a ridiculously young 21-year-old with supreme talent -- is trying to turn the bust ship around ... and he's looking to Kobe for help.

Fultz spent a good chunk of the summer at MAMBA Sports Academy in Southern California ... working daily with the academy's trainers.

We're told Markelle even had a sit-down with Kobe ... where Bryant schooled Fultz on the "Mamba Mentality" -- which in KB's words means to "constantly try to be the best version of yourself."

Will Kobe's greatness rub off on Fultz? Stay tuned. NBA season kicks off next month.

Here's a cool Lakers team-building exercise ... LeBron James, Anthony Davis and a bunch of their L.A. teammates hit up a WNBA playoff game in Vegas on Tuesday -- and they bro'd out HARD!!!

The Aces took on the Washington Mystics at the Mandalay Bay Events Center ... and to get acquainted with each other, the Lakers made a date night out of it.

LBJ, AD, Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard (good to see Howard getting along with his teammates!) and a few other Lakers studs were there ... and as you can see in the pics -- they had a blast!!

Of course, WNBA games are becoming SUPER popular among athletes ... even Warriors forward Draymond Green was spotted courtside.

In fact, Raiders owner Mark Davis was also there!!

The on-the-court action lived up to the hype ... the Mystics beat the Aces, 94-90, winning their playoff series over Vegas, 3-1.

By the way, Elena Delle Donne did her best LeBron impression in the game ... scoring 25 points with 6 rebounds in 37 minutes.

Andre Emmett was held up at gunpoint and then tried to run for his life before he was chased, shot in the back and killed in Dallas ... new video shows.

The Dallas Police Dept. released footage captured by a Ring Doorbell near the murder scene showing the ex-NBA player and BIG3 star apparently being pulled out of his car by gunmen on Monday morning.

It all went down at Emmett's home in Old East Dallas where you can see a group of men yelling at the 37-year-old while he sits in his silver Range Rover.

As they approach the car, Emmett clearly knew he was in imminent danger and immediately tried to run away from the scene ... but one of the men pulled out a gun and opened fire.

Ex-college basketball and BIG3 star Andre Emmett was shot and killed in Dallas on Monday morning ... TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 37 years old.

According to Dallas PD ... Emmett was approached by 2 suspects while sitting in his car in front of his house around 2:30 AM on Monday. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and an altercation ensued.

Cops say Emmett was gunned down while trying to run away from the suspects ... and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Emmett -- the 35th pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2004 NBA Draft -- was the 2nd leading scorer in the 3-on-3 league this past season while playing for 3's Company.

"The BIG3 is in a state of shock over the sudden and tragic death of Andre Emmett," the league said in a statement. "Andre was a member of the BIG3 family for two seasons and never without a smile on his face."

"His kindness towards others and easy-going demeanor made him a joy to be around."

Emmett briefly played for the Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets ... and played several years overseas.

Emmett was a star at Texas Tech under Bob Knight ... and was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2018.

#RIP

LeBron James graced the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine in 2002 ... and if your bank account's big enough, you can own the jersey he rocked when he was introduced to the world.

Bron was a junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary HS in Akron, Ohio in '02 -- and the top-ranked player in his class -- when SI sent a writer and photographer to profile the future king.

The magazine -- featuring LBJ on the cover in his #23 gold mesh jersey titled with the words, THE CHOSEN ONE -- was released on February 18, 2002 ... when LeBron was 17 years old.

Now, the jersey James donned on the cover (he also wore the jersey for the majority of his junior season where he averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists a game) is on the block at Goldin Auctions.

Ken Goldin tells us he expects the jersey -- which was given by LeBron to a long-time friend who held onto it 'til now -- could sell for mid-six figures (think 300k, 400k, $500k+).

Since the SI story, Bron's become arguably the greatest hooper of all-time -- racking up 3 NBA Titles, 3 Finals MVP's, 4 NBA MVP's and 15 All-Star nods -- and one of the most famous people on Earth.

The jersey King James wore when America first laid eyes on him can be yours ... if you're rich enough.

Bidding goes 'til October 19. Good luck.

Milwaukee Bucks Owner Wes Edens obviously isn't afraid of commitment ... because he just told our cameras he's ready to make a lifelong pact with his star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"We want to be a part of his life for the rest of his basketball career."

That is what Edens told our cameras when we got him out in New York City promoting his new tequila, Cincoro -- which he launched with other NBA owners including Michael Jordan ... adding that it is not just the MVP's game that makes him want to basketball marry him, but his makeup as a man.

"He's an amazing guy, he's amazing to the organization, he's amazing to his family."

Here's the thing ... it seems like the love goes both ways, the nearly 7-feet-tall Greek Freak recently said he wants to have a career like Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan ... staying in one place forever.

Kawhi Leonard is officially on the prowl for his new home ... checking out some of the best available cribs in Los Angeles ... starting with an incredible $10 million pad!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Clippers superstar has been lookin' for a place to hang his hat recently ... exploring all the nicest houses L.A. has to offer (and there's a lot).

Leonard was spotted visiting a spot on the Sunset Strip earlier this week ... and we gotta say, the dude has great taste.

The home -- listed by Dustin Nicholas of the Nicholas Property Group -- has HUGE windows, high ceilings, a chef's kitchen ... and, of course, a pool and sundeck.

The crib is listed at $9,995,000 ... but remember, the dude's in a 3-year, $103 million contract.

Phoenix Suns stud Kelly Oubre Jr. claims his ex-girlfriend stole his two dogs after they broke up in May ... and now, he's suing her.

It's all in a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports, in which the NBA player claims he's having a miserable time breaking things off with his ex, Makena Spooner LeDuff.

Oubre says the two began dating back in mid-2017 when he was a member of the Washington Wizards ... and things were going so well, they stayed together when he was traded to Phoenix in 2018.

In fact, Oubre claims when he rented a place in Beverly Hills shortly after the deal with the Suns ... he allowed her to live there with him.

But, Oubre says things took a terrible turn when the two broke things off in May ... alleging 27-year-old Makena has been a nightmare.

In the lawsuit, Oubre claims she's refused to leave his Bev Hills spot, slashed the tires on his car, stolen some of his stuff ... and worst of all, taken his two beloved dogs.

Oubre says he got the pups -- Saint and Soul -- before he met Makena ... and claims she is now "holding them hostage" in an effort to try to get money from the NBA player.

Oubre says he tried like hell to get them back from her -- even getting the LAPD involved in August -- but says she's successfully avoided returning them to him.

Now, Oubre -- who's in the middle of a 2-year, $30 MILLION contract -- is suing her for damages.

Jeanie Buss is teaming up with Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck to launch a new tequila company ... but don't worry, Laker Nation -- she still wants to WHOOP that Boston ass!!!

The Lakers owner spoke with TMZ Sports at Catch Steak in NYC about the launch of their new tequila, Cincoro -- along with Michael Jordan and Milwaukee Bucks owner Wes Edens.

Buss says even though all the owners are gettin' chummy and bonding over Cincoro booze, they're all focused on destroying each other when the season comes around.

"Just because we created a tequila doesn't mean I don't wanna beat him on the court ... and that is the whole goal, is to always beat the Celtics," Jeanie says. "And, he knows that and he wants to beat me too!!!"

"This is what the world needs to know, that even the people that you compete with, at the end of the day, you can lay down your swords and come together and be friends and respect each other. It's always important to respect your opponent."

Aww ... that's touching as hell, Jeanie.

Kevin Durant is clearly recovering well after tearing his Achilles ... TMZ Sports got the guy walking around in NYC this week -- and he's showing no signs of a limp!!!

Of course, it's only been about 12 weeks since the NBA superstar had surgery to fix his right leg ... but from the looks of things, he's healing up nicely.

It's been a pretty crappy few months since he tore his Achilles on June 10 during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals ... we got him shortly after surgery, and he looked pretty miserable.

Even last month, when we shot him walking out of Catch restaurant in L.A. ... he had significant hitch in his giddy up.

But, this week, dude seems to be moving around fine ... which is good news for his new team, the Brooklyn Nets, who inked the guy to a 4-year, $164 MILLION deal!!

Kevin is expected to miss the entire season this year recovering ... but if he keeps healing up this way -- maybe there's a chance Kyrie will be passing him the rock this season after all?

Allen Crabbe just got hit with 2 DUI charges after getting popped by cops on the Sunset Strip this summer ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The NBA baller was busted back on June 25 after cops say the 27-year-old was "straddling lanes" around midnight on the popular Hollywood street.

You can see what happens next in the TMZ Sports video ... cops conducted a field sobriety test on the 6'6", 212-pound small forward.

While it didn't outwardly appear Crabbe bombed the test ... police arrested him on suspicion of drunk driving.

Now, we've learned the L.A. District Attorney has hit Crabbe with one count of DUI of an alcoholic beverage and one count of driving with a .08 BAC or higher -- both misdemeanors.

Crabbe could face time behind bars for the offenses -- and he'll have to fight the case in court. His arraignment hearing is slated for next week in L.A.

Amar'e Stoudemire is ready to follow Joe Johnson's lead ... telling TMZ Sports he's still training his ass off in hopes of signing with an NBA team next season.

36-year-old Stoudemire hasn't played in the NBA since 2016 during a stint with the Miami Heat -- but he hasn't stopped playing pro ball.

Amar'e went to Israel to play ball over there -- and spent a season hoopin' in Ice Cube's BIG3 league in 2018.

So, when we spotted the 6'10" former 6-time NBA All-Star out in NYC, we asked what's up with his pursuit of a new NBA contract.

"I'm still training and being patient," Amar'e told us ... "If a phone call comes my way, I'll be ready for it. If not, there's no pressure."

Part of the reason there's no pressure is because Amar'e made more than $161 MILLION from his NBA playing days ... not counting endorsement deals or his cameo in Amy Schumer's "Trainwreck."

We asked Amar'e why he thinks Joe (the reigning BIG3 MVP) is getting another NBA opportunity while he hasn't yet.

"Joe played last year (2017-18 season) in the NBA. So, they're pretty familiar with him. I was overseas in Israel for 3 years. So, kinda out of sight, out of mind. We'll kind of see what happens."

Jayson Williams was a rich, famous NBA star ... but he tells TMZ Sports, his job running an addiction treatment center is the most fulfilling thing he's ever done.

"This is the best job I ever had."

It's no secret that Jayson -- an All-Star who played 9 years in the league for the 76ers and Nets -- struggled with alcohol abuse for years, leading to tragedy off the court ... before buddies, Curtis Martin, Charles Oakley and Chris Mullin convinced him to enter rehab back in 2016.

Williams got sober (he's going on 30 months now) ... and the experience made such an enormous impact on his life, the 50-year-old founded his own treatment program called Rebound in Jupiter, FL.

"I'm no guru to this. I'm just a guy who's there telling my story, who's surrounded with a great 9-acre, 105-bed facility with the best doctors, the best psychiatrists, psychologists."

The program -- which treats everything from alcohol and drugs to food, sex and gambling addiction -- ain't your prototypical rehab center ... it's an adventure-based curriculum that uses paddle boarding, wave running, hydro boarding, scuba diving and even skydiving to beat addiction.

"We do probably 19 different activities that you have never done in 30 days, and we do that to breakdown barriers, overcome anxiety, build self-esteem and break up the monotony."

Jayson says friends often tell him to leave Rebound behind and "go coach St Johns, get outta that, it's too much, it brings you down" ... but he says they're all wrong.

LeBron James is paying tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle while on his yacht vacation ... rockin' a dope custom Crenshaw jersey on Tuesday to honor the rapper.

Nipsey was gunned down in front of his Marathon Clothing store in South L.A. back in March. After his death, several high-profile athletes including LeBron, praised Nipsey for being a respected community leader who always gave back.

Clearly, his memory is still strong with LeBron who paid homage to Nipsey with the new personalized threads.

"I know you smiling down back at me my G! The Marathon will Always Continue all around the world with me! #TMC," LeBron said on Instagram.

The jersey is sick -- featuring Nip's famous Crenshaw logo on a blue Lakers alternate jersey.

And now, with Bron's stamp of approval, don't be surprised if people push to see these in an NBA game.

After Nipsey's death, LeBron spoke out on the tragedy ... calling it "one of the most unfortunate events that has happened in American history."

LBJ also wore a shirt to honor his friend at a Lakers game in the days that followed.

Nipsey was only 33.