NBA

LeBron James just became the first active NBA player to have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 9 zeroes in his net worth -- the Lakers superstar is officially a billionaire.

The 37-year-old 4-time champ reached the milestone after making a whopping $121.2 million in 2021, according to Forbes ... joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the only other hoopers to rake in that kinda coin.

Bron has made more than $387 million on the court, but the majority of his money has come from the business side.

As the outlet points out, James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment is worth around $300 million, his stake in Fenway Sports Group is worth $90 million and his 10% share of the Blaze Pizza brand has blown up to a whopping $30 million.

Oh yeah, and the dude has a LIFETIME contract with Nike ... which Mav previously hinted was a billion-dollar deal for decades to come.

That's not even scratching the surface of LeBron's success off the court ... but the accomplishment is truly something -- Jordan reportedly didn't become a billionaire until 2014.

LeBron -- who had a tough childhood with his mother, Gloria, after she gave birth to him at just 16 years old -- previously spoke about his desire to make a billion in his lifetime ... so it's gotta feel good to be the King.

Kobe Bryant received a touching tribute in the newest season of "Stranger Things" ... with one of the show's stars, Caleb McLaughlin, paying homage by wearing the NBA legend's iconic #8 during the show.

Netflix says 20-year-old Caleb -- who is a massive Kobe fan -- came up with the idea for his on-screen character, Lucas Sinclair, to wear the Mamba's digit on his basketball jersey in the huge show.

Despite the number being factually incorrect (H.S. hoopers could only wear numbers that ended in 0-5 in the 1980s), the show's producers loved the plan to honor Mamba and let him don it for filming.

Of course, 'ST's newest installment is Netflix's biggest debut since "Squid Game" took over the world in 2021.

In fact, season 4 has resulted in 286.79 million hours viewed globally ... making it the biggest premiere weekend for an English language TV show on the streaming platform, according to reports.

In addition to the success here, it also reached #1 on the charts in 83 countries.

It's become common to see entertainers or athletes showing love for the life and legacy of Kobe since his tragic death -- The Game got a tattoo of a sideways 8 and KB's signature about his eyebrow.

Lakers superstar Lebron James got a snake tattoo ... with his numbers and the message "Mamba 4 Life" underneath it.

One of Kobe's favorite young players, Jayson Tatum, is always outspoken about what his relationship with Kobe means to him ... even wearing a purple armband with Kobe's #24 on it during a must-win Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday.

JT also revealed that he texted Kobe's number a message right before the game, saying, "I got you today" ... and he delivered on his promise, scoring 26 huge points for the Celtics in a 100-96 win.

The superstars are lining up to work with Kanye West -- TMZ Sports has learned Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown is the first pro athlete to ever sign with Donda Sports.

As we previously reported, future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald became one of the first big names to go public with his decision to partner with Ye for off-field ventures ... saying it was a "no-brainer" to join forces.

But as it turns out, Brown was way ahead of AD ... becoming the first athlete to ever sign with Donda, we're told.

Sources tell us Ye and Brown have been tight for a while now, but things were made official after West attended the Warriors vs. Celtics game in March.

The signs were there -- the two posed together postgame ... and in fact, Brown was spotted wearing a Donda Sports hoodie while hanging with A$AP Ferg afterwards.

So, why 25-year-old Brown?? We're told Donda eyed the Eastern Conference champ because of his intelligence, social activism and charitable work ... as well as his success on the court.

On top of that, the deal was especially important to Ye because Jaylen is a God-fearing man ... and his mother emphasized the importance of education at a young age, just like Donda.

We're told Ye thinks Brown is underappreciated ... and wants to bring him to "superhero" status during his career and long after his playing days.

One of the rarest and most coveted Kobe Bryant cards in existence -- the 1997 Skybox Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems #81 -- just hit the auction block ... and could sell for over a million bucks!!

The Bryant card is numbered 60 out of 100 ... making it incredibly rare.

But, what makes this card so special is the fact it's signed by the Black Mamba himself -- likely making it a 1-of-1 -- as no other autographed version has hit the market, as far as we can tell.

Pretty cool to think Kobe held this card and signed it.

The signature was authenticated and graded a Mint 9 by PSA -- one of the premiere graders and authenticators -- before SCP Auctions put it on the block.

The auction believes the card could sell for over $1 million!

It's actually difficult to find PMG cards -- which featured 123 players (all with 100 cards) -- in tip-top shape (let alone ones signed by KB) because of the way they were made. The cards were manufactured using a colored foil that makes them difficult to keep pristine ... as the foil would chip.

The PMGs are incredibly significant among collectors, and look flat-out awesome. And, there are two versions of each card. The first 10 numbered cards are green (Emerald), meanwhile, 11 through 100 are red.

A green Kobe PMG -- not signed -- brought in around $2 million at auction a few months ago, FYI.

The signed card has already been bid on 10 times ... with a high bid of $130K.

A super-rare item from LeBron James' legendary high school career is about to hit auction -- a basketball signed by the King and his teammates from St. Vincent-St. Mary ... and it could come with a big price tag!!

Of course, James was one of the biggest hoops stars as a high schooler ... and his accolades tell it all -- 2-time Mr. Basketball USA, 2-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, 3-time Ohio Mr. Basketball, McDonald's National Player of the Year and a 2003 national title to top it all off.

Before all that, the squad from LBJ's 2000 season all teamed up and scribbled their Hancocks on a ball ... and anyone who followed LBJ since day one will recognize some names.

Besides LBJ's autograph -- which received an 8/10 grade -- you can see his teammates Dru Joyce, Sian Cotton and others inscribed on the ball.

In fact, right next to James' signature is Maverick Carter ... who is currently business partners with the Lakers superstar and one of the founders of LRMR Ventures.

The ball -- that hits Heritage Auctions on June 4 -- has 11 overall signatures and is expected to sell for over $5k!!

Former Gonzaga basketball superstar Chet Holmgren clearly ain't stressin' about next month's NBA draft ... telling TMZ Sports his goal is to find the best "fit" for him, not necessarily to be the top pick.

We got the 7-footer out shopping in L.A. this week ... and asked if he was hoping to be taken by the Orlando Magic at No. 1 overall on June 23.

While it's obvious the guy wouldn't mind it (who would?!?) -- he stressed to us being in the best spot for his growth as a hooper is what's most important to him ... not what slot he'll be picked in.

"Man," the 19-year-old said. "I want to land in the best fit for my career, and the best possible situation."

Of course, many experts believe that very well could be in Orlando -- with most mock drafts having him slated to be taken by the Magic just minutes after Adam Silver kicks off the event.

Kyrie Irving has been ripped to shreds over his COVID-19 vaccine stance, but John Salley is coming to his defense ... telling TMZ Sports he tips his hat to the Nets star for standing up for what he believes in.

We spoke with Salley -- who won 4 NBA titles -- out in NYC this week ... and the former Detroit Piston spoke glowingly about Irving, who faced immense backlash this year for refusing to get the jab.

"I think Kyrie Irving is the premier athlete -- professional," Salley said. "I think he's conscious. I think he thinks it through. I think it's very important that people pay attention too, he's not into the lies, the glitz. He's into taking care of his body."

Salley said he knows Irving is into science and does his own research, but because his stance differs from the views of mainstream society ... people hate Kyrie because of it.

"I'm the biggest Kyrie fan," Salley added. "Everything he does, I take my hat off to him."

Of course, Kyrie received a lot of heat for his personal decision to remain unvaccinated despite being forced to miss games ... drawing criticism from the likes of Howard Stern and Chris Rock.

But, Salley isn't in the same camp -- he says the Nets did the right thing by standing by Kyrie amid the vaccine drama this season.

"You have a guy who didn't get the virus, and everybody who talked about smack about him got it really bad," Salley said. "He had a very strong immune system."

It's unclear if the Nets -- or Nike -- will commit to a long-term relationship with Irving in the future ... but either way, Salley thinks the 30-year-old is an exceptional talent.

An autographed Luka Dončić rookie card with an actual patch from a game-worn jersey is about to hit the auction block, and TMZ Sports has learned it could sell for 7 figures!!

The super-rare card -- soon headed to the PWCC Premier Auction -- is 1 of just 5 copies in existence. The last time a similar card sold, it went for a million bucks.

Officials at PWCC tell us this isn't just any ordinary NBA rookie card ... in fact, reps say the keepsake is one-of-a-kind due to the Emerald color scheme it boasts.

The front of the card features 23-year-old Luka shooting a jump shot ... along with the patch from his Mavs jersey.

Luka, the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has become one of the most effective offensive players in the world ... he's virtually unstoppable.

Dončić, a native of Slovenia, has drawn parallels to NBA legend Larry Bird for his ability to score, rebound, and facilitate at an elite level -- in addition to the leadership skills he displays.

Despite only playing 4 full seasons, Luka is already 10th on the NBA's all-time triple-double list -- with 46 -- behind Bird, who's ahead of him at 9th on the list.

And, PWCC exec Jesse Craig says the card could actually end up being a bargain.

"The question now is if he can win a ring. If he leads Dallas to a championship – or to multiple championships – the demand for his assets is likely to keep going up. To find this card, in this low of quantity, right now is an incredible opportunity.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo has made more than $146 MILLION in his career, but even he has to let out a "sheeeesh" when it comes to expensive dining in L.A. ... saying, "this city is not for me."

The Milwaukee Bucks champ and his family hit up Catch in West Hollywood on Wednesday ... and while he says the food was "incredible," he admits the tasty meal put a dent in his wallet.

"Expensive, expensive," the Greek Freak said. "This city is not for me."

Now, Giannis has never been one to flaunt his wealth -- he even seems a bit shy when the camera guy brings up how insanely rich he is -- but he admits ya can't put a price tag on having an unforgettable time with the fam.

Giannis and the Bucks recently got booted from the playoffs ... and while the Celtics and Heat duke it out in the Eastern Conference Finals, he was chowing down on some of the best food in L.A.

Who's the real winner??

Well, let's be honest -- Giannis would much rather be playing still ... but this alternative ain't too shabby.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods were present as President Joe Biden signed a monumental Police Reform Bill on Wednesday ... visiting the White House on the second anniversary of George Floyd's death.

26-year-old Towns made the trip to 1600 Penn with Woods to watch #46 sign the executive order into law ... which was inspired in part by Floyd's tragic passing in 2020.

KAT -- who plays for the Timberwolves in Minnesota, where Floyd died -- joined members of George's family for the signing of the bill ... including Gianna Floyd, his young daughter.

TMZ Sports spoke with Towns while he was out in D.C. ... asking the three-time All-Star if he thought the bill was a good sign for the country.

"It's a step in the right direction," Towns told us.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers was also in attendance for the historic moment ... as the President and his administration continued to push their agenda for police reform.

Throughout the day, Vice President Kamala Harris was photographed going over what appears to be the bill with Gianna at a podium.

Snoop Dogg's done it all -- from Super Bowl performances to being Martha Stewart's BFF -- but there's another wild moment we're just hearing about, involving Michael Jordan and a pretty sweet offer.

Snoop says he once turned down a whopping $2 million dollars to DJ a Michael Jordan party. Apparently, money can't buy everything, as the Doggfather revealed on Jake Paul's "Impaulsive" Podcast ... and apparently, that includes scheduling conflicts. Even for his Airness.

He also ranked Magic Johnson as his favorite "MJ," so his Lakers fandom probably influenced his decision NOT to move things around to accommodate Michael.

Snoop occasionally moonlights as DJ Snoopadelic and has become nifty with the turntables over the years, but he's also far from hurting for bread.

Interestingly, he recently told the Nelk Boys he gets $250,000 per feature on other artists' songs.

Kawhi Leonard isn't getting a ring this season, but his girlfriend certainly did -- the NBA superstar's lady was spotted wearing a massive rock on THAT finger at the airport on Tuesday.

Which begs the question -- did the longtime couple get engaged?!?

TMZ Sports has obtained pictures of the Klaw and Kishele Shipley arriving at LAX ... and the mother of two had a shiny, new accessory on her left ring finger.

Leonard and Shipley have been dating forever -- they first met at San Diego State and have been inseparable ever since. They have two children together, born in 2016 and 2019.

In other words, if wedding bells are ringing ... it shouldn't come as a surprise.

What's interesting -- we caught up with Kawhi and Kishele shortly after the pics were taken ... and it appears she removed the ring from her hand.

Kawhi missed the whole 2021-22 season with an injury ... so if they are, in fact, engaged, it's nice to see he made the most of his time off the court.

Norman Powell was harassed by a white woman behaving erratically who berated the Clippers star and told him he was "not American" ... all while NP streamed the encounter on social media.

It got so serious, police were called ... and the woman was handcuffed and taken away by Las Vegas cops.

It's unclear if she was arrested ... and if so, on what charge.

The 28-year-old former 2nd-round draft pick out of UCLA was in Sin City working out at a local gym ... when Norman says the stranger stormed through the door, saying she'd gotten into a fight and needed help.

"She came here the first time and was saying she got in a fight," Powell said during the live stream. "We told her to leave out the back. She left, she was gone for about 15, 20 minutes, came back, staying in the gym calling us un-American, saying we need to go back, calling us p***y, a whole bunch of s**t."

Norman and his group warned the woman that police were on the way, but she called their bluff -- a mistake.

Multiple cops eventually arrived and the woman -- her identity is currently unknown -- was placed in cuffs.

In fact, Norman says the woman yelled "I can't breathe" while police had her pressed against the squad car.

"That is crazy to me, man. That s**t is not funny, man," Powell said, exasperated.

Powell told officers the woman was acting incredibly strange.

"We was trying to get her to leave," he added, "and then she was trying to take her pants off and take a s**t or piss on the floor. And that's when we pulled her out like, we can't have that."

Norman is a solid player in the NBA -- he averaged 21 points a game in 2022.

Story developing ...

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was absolutely livid before his team's playoff game Tuesday night ... pleading with politicians across the nation to do something after a mass shooting at an elementary school left at least 19 children and 2 adults dead.

"When are we going to do something?" 56-year-old Kerr started off his impassioned speech. "I'm tired. I'm so tired of getting up here and offering condolences to the devastated families that are out there."

"I'm tired of the moments of silence. Enough!" he added.

Kerr then went on to rip senators who refuse to vote on HR8 -- a bill that requires a background check for every firearm sale -- accusing the politicians of choosing to hold onto power instead of protecting the lives of children, the elderly and churchgoers.

"I'm fed up. I've had enough," Kerr said. "But, I want every person here, every person listening to this to think about your own child, your own grandchild, or mother, father, sister, brother. How would you feel if this happened to you today?"

An 18-year-old gunman opened fire on students and faculty at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday ... leaving at least 19 kids and 2 adults dead.

Kerr slammed the representatives in Congress for "holding us hostage" by choosing to not vote on the HR8 bill -- which he says 90% of Americans favor background checks -- and prioritizing politics over human lives.

"It's pathetic. I've had enough," Kerr said right before he stormed off the podium. But, Kerr wasn't only the notable figure to sound off in wake of the heinous tragedy that took place in Uvalde yesterday.

WNBA star Natasha Cloud, who plays for the Washington Mystics, urged people to write to their local and federal representatives in an effort to see change in the wake of the senseless tragedy that occurred.

Cloud called on government officials to implement sensible gun laws, so that an event like this doesn't happen in the future, and expressed she was tired of the system caring about money and profit over people and lives.

LeBron James is devastated after another shooter took the lives of at least 14 students at an elementary school in Texas on Tuesday ... and he's now begging for it all to stop.

"There simply has to be change!" the Los Angeles Lakers superstar said just minutes after the tragedy happened. "HAS TO BE!!"

Texas Governor Greg Abbott just revealed 14 kids and a teacher were killed at a Uvalde Elementary School on Tuesday morning -- explaining an 18-year-old has been identified as the suspected gunman.

James -- who has three children himself -- was clearly sick to his stomach after hearing the news ... taking to his Twitter page to plead for officials to make changes to try to put an end to the horrific mass shootings.

"My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX!" LeBron said.

"Like when is enough enough man!!!" the 37-year-old added. "These are kids and we keep putting them in harms way at school. Like seriously 'AT SCHOOL' where it's suppose to be the safest!"

LeBron then said he's "Praying to the heavens above to all with kids these days in schools."

Zach LaVine had nothing but love for the Lakers on Monday -- praising the Purple and Gold after dining at an L.A. hotspot ... this, amid rumors they're hoping to land him in free agency.

27-year-old LaVine -- who starred at UCLA before getting drafted #13 overall in 2014 -- hit up Craig's in West Hollywood with his wife, Hunter ... and after chowing down on some grub, the cameras had to ask him about his future.

The 2-time Slam Dunk champ initially played it cool ... explaining his appearance shouldn't be a big deal, considering he lives in L.A.

But, when asked to give a message to Laker Nation, LaVine's response is enough to give fans a glimmer of hope.

"I've always been a big fan," he said as he hopped in his Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

LaVine has emerged as a legit scorer ever since he was traded from Minnesota to the Chicago Bulls in 2017 ... averaging 24 points this past season.

The Lakers will have some serious competition as they try to rebuild after a horrendous 2022 ... with Chicago, Portland and Atlanta among teams potentially interested in landing him.

It would take a lot of work for the Lakers to be able to find space for LaVine ... but Jeanie Buss has made it clear she's sick of losing -- so anything is possible.