NBA

Joel Embiid's first Most Valuable Player selection just got a lot sweeter ... 'cause his Sixers teammate, James Harden, gifted him a Rolex in honor of the award!!

The Philadelphia center beat out former MVP winners Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the nod Tuesday night ... and when the man of the hour showed up at the arena to take on the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Beard came bearing gifts.

Embiid was clearly thrilled over the gesture ... thanking Harden and hugging it out in the tunnel after receiving the expensive watch.

What's funny -- the timepiece didn't fit the 7'0" giant's hand ... but Uno assured the MVP he'll hook him up with some more links soon.

The watch also has a special message engraved on the back ... which reads "'23 MVP."

Embiid -- who said it is his first Rolex -- couldn't help but show off his gift with reporters earlier Wednesday ... smiling as he put it in front of the cameras.

If Embiid suits up for Philly in a few hours (he's been out with a knee sprain), and the watch gives him a bit more motivation, it could be bad news for the Cs -- 'cause the Sixers are currently leading the series, 1-0.

Just call him Snoopstradamus!!!

Hours after Snoop Dogg predicted Jordan Poole would choke in a key moment in Game 1 of the Warriors vs. Lakers playoff series Tuesday night ... the Golden State star did just that!!

The "Gin & Juice" rapper initially offered up the Miss Cleo-like prognostication during an appearance on "First Take" ... when he correctly guessed the Lakers' defense would force Poole into a situation he wouldn't be able to capitalize on.

"We're going to be probably doubling Steph," the Lakers superfan said on the show, "and somebody else is going to be open. Jordan Poole, keep shooting. I like the way you've been missing brother."

Turns out, in the fourth quarter down 115-112 ... L.A. doubled Curry -- which led to Poole trying to make a game-tying 3-pointer from deep behind the 3-point line. But, he missed it ... giving the Lakers the big win.

Poole, though, did have a solid game otherwise ... scoring 21 points (7-15 FGs) -- but his end-of-game brick drew a lot of ire from fans, including Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.

"I don't like that shot right there," Barkley said on NBA on TNT ... while Shaq added that it wasn't a "good shot" by the guard.

One person who didn't mind the shot was Dubs head coach Steve Kerr, who said in the postgame press conference he was happy with the possession.

Aaron Rodgers appears to already have a new Jets BFF -- he went on a man date with NY star Sauce Gardner to the Knicks game Tuesday ... and it sure felt bromantic to us!!

After months of recruiting the quarterback to the Big Apple, Gardner finally got some alone time with his new teammate ... and the two seemed to certainly hit it off.

According to Rodgers' IG, the guys got some grub at Carbone ... before they pulled up to Madison Square Garden for the Knicks' huge playoff game against the Miami Heat.

The two had great floor seats -- they sat next to "Entourage" star Jerry Ferrara -- and they even got to rub elbows with Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan.

The guys were later shown on the jumbotron during the game -- where they received a massive ovation from the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance.

The dudes appeared to be good luck for the home team, too ... as NY beat up the Jimmy Butler-less Heat, 111-105.

Both guys gushed over the evening afterward on social media, with Rodgers writing, "Another great day and night in the city with my boy @saucegardner."

"One of the best days/nights I had in a while man❕I appreciate you my guy🤞🏾," Gardner added in the comment section.

Soccer reigned supreme once again when it came to lining pockets in 2022 ... with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé making the most money out of all athletes, according to Forbes' annual list -- and LeBron James and Stephen Curry rounding out the top five.

In the top spot is 38-year-old Ronaldo -- who parted ways with Manchester United in November to join Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in January. The superstar raked in $136 million total on and off the field over the past 12 months.

Coming in at second and third on the list are Messi and Mbappé, respectively. Messi earned $130 million ... while 24-year-old Mbappé -- the only athlete under 30 to grace the top 10 -- pocketed $120 million.

King James is in the top five yet again at fourth on the list, earning $119.5 million. Meanwhile, Steph Curry ($100.4 million) and Kevin Durant ($89.1 million) are the only two other NBA players to make the top 10.

Canelo Álvarez is the lone boxer in the top 10 -- the 58-2-2 Mexican-born fighter made $100 million pounding on opponents inside the ring ... and an additional $10 million out of competition.

Two of golf's biggest names, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, proved the LIV money is real ... with DJ earning $107 million, and Phil earning $106 million.

Finally, Roger Federer -- who's won 20 Grand Slam men's single's titles in his career -- held it down for his respective sport ... as he was the only tennis star to make the top 10, earning $95.1 million.

It's been over 2 months since the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, but Patrick Mahomes is still livin' it up, hitting the 2023 Met Gala with his wife Brittany, and they looked fabulous!

The Kansas City Chiefs superstar and his wife walked the red carpet at the world's most famous fashion event in Manhattan on Monday for the "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" themed night.

Mahomes opted for a classic look, smooth black tuxedo made by Hugo Boss, along with loafers and a pair of dark shades.

Brittany wore an elegant off-the-shoulder gown with silver sequins and a thigh-high slit. As for her hair ... Artistry by LB gave her a natural look, placing her hair in a sleek bun.

Brittany -- who married Mahomes last March -- considered it the perfect "date night".

Fans, friends, and family loved the get up ... including Patrick's brother, Jackson, who said on Instagram, "BEST PHOTO EVER. SO GLAD YOU GUYS WENT!!"

Trans TikTok star Jesse Sullivan says KISS singer Paul Stanley's criticism of kids transitioning is misplaced ... Jesse says those who are transitioning aren't just doing it as a fad.

We got Jesse and Francesca Farago Monday at LAX and asked him about Paul's controversial comments, where the rocker claimed kids are being encouraged to transition at a young age.

Jesse says anyone who is considering transitioning is doing it because they know deep down who they truly are ... and he says the process is anything but fun. During his transition, Jesse says he lost family and he explains why the process is hard on the body and mind, not to mention the social changes.

Jesse acknowledges it's a hot-button issue right now ... but he thinks trans kids need real support because there's a lot for them to fear in this climate.

We also asked Jesse and Francesca about Dwyane Wade's decision to move his family out of Florida because of the state's LGBTQ policies ... and they tell us they actually skipped an event in Florida for the same reasons.

The Met Gala isn't the only spot with questionable fashion statements on Monday .... 'cause James Harden was turning heads with his unique pregame 'fit all the way in Boston.

The Philly star pulled up in the tunnel at the TD Garden for Game 1 of the Sixers-Celtics semifinals matchup in an oversized sweat suit that had some type of blue fur all over it.

The pregame drip looks pretty comfortable, but it didn't stop fans from roasting the 10-time All-Star ... with one of 'em tweeting, "dude looking like he skinned the cookie monster."

Another person added ... "The Celtics are advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals."

But, there are some who actually like the 'fit and believe it means Harden's gonna go off ... 'cause one fan said, "The Cookie Monster is going to cook the Celtics tonight".

Another added ... "garbage fit = 30 piece."

The Sixers will need those points in Game 1 as superstar and MVP candidate Joel Embiid is out with a knee injury.

Even though the 2023 Met Gala is goin' on in NYC at the same time, Harden still found a way to get people talking about his style.

Mission accomplished.

Joakim Noah is doing his part to give back to Chicago -- the former NBA player is launching a basketball league to unify young men amid the city's violence epidemic.

The 13-year NBA vet revealed his plans in an interview with Shams Charania ... where he explained his decision to join forces with 28 violence prevention groups to launch "One City Basketball League."

Noah -- who played 9 seasons with the Bulls -- said the league aims to bring young men aged 16-25 living in the west and south sides of Chicago together to compete in a tournament.

"Chicago is a place that gave me everything I had, playing for the Chicago Bulls," Noah said. "So I always wanted to do work in the city. The city is divided in a lot of ways."

"One of the ways to unify the city is through hoop. Some of my best friends, to this day, are from playing basketball. That's what we're trying to do. We're trying to unify the city."

Noah believes the tournament will entice kids to participate, but feels the real prize is the financial incentives for players, off-court programs, and job opportunities.

38-year-old Noah -- who announced his retirement from the NBA in 2021 -- said former United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is helping launch the league.

Vanessa Bryant is remembering her daughter on what would have been her 17th birthday ... penning an emotional tribute to Gigi on social media.

"Happy 17th birthday, baby girl," Kobe's widow wrote on Instagram. "I love you and miss you so much, sweet Angel."

Bryant also shared several snaps of Gigi ... showing her smiling from ear to ear at Disneyland and other vacations.

"Te Amo Mambacita ❤️," she added. "We love you to the moon and back infinity +1. Forever & Always. ❤️."

Vanessa's friends showed love as well ... including Candace Parker, La La, Taraji P. Henson and more.

Gigi's birthday marks the release of the Kobe IV Protro "Mambacita" ... a special colorway of the NBA superstar's signature shoe that will benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.

The star of "Juwanna Mann," Miguel A. Núñez Jr., tells TMZ Sports a sequel to the 2002 hit basketball movie is in the works ... and NBA superstar Draymond Green has been asking for a role in it!!!

Miguel talked all about the new project out at LAX earlier this week ... promising the movie is, in fact, actually happening.

He said while he can't give away specific details of the new plot, they've already got some great ideas in mind for it.

"It will be coming," Núñez Jr. insisted.

The first movie was a smash hit -- you'll recall, it features Miguel playing a character named Jamal Jeffries, a star basketball player who decides to dress up as a woman and play for a women's pro league after he's suspended from a men's team.

The flick was adored by hoops fans ... especially since it boasted guest appearances from a ton of NBA players including Muggsy Bogues, Vlade Divac, Dikembe Mutombo, and Rasheed Wallace.

Núñez Jr. said he wasn't sure who all would be in the new feature ... but he did tell us Green definitely wants in somehow.

"I talked to him," Núñez Jr. said of the Warriors star. "He wants to be in it as well!"

No word yet when it will all officially hit the silver screen ... but Núñez Jr. did at least give us one detail on the planned feature -- saying his Jeffries character would likely be in the reboot in some capacity.

LeBron James knows a good reference when he hears it -- and after booting the Memphis Grizzlies out of the playoffs ... a classic Mystikal line came to mind, and it's perfect.

The King was feeling cocky Saturday after the Lakers crushed Ja Morant's team in decisive fashion Friday in front of the home crowd ... which ends their season and sends LBJ and co. into the next round, where they await either the Warriors or the Sacramento Kings.

Bron took to IG with a huge flex -- posting an epic in-game photo of himself after one of his many buckets, where he's roaring in Crypto.com Arena. His caption was just as badass.

He writes, "If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR."

Of course, the line is a nod to two things -- one, it's the bar that Mystikal dropped back in 2012 during a freestyle on Invasion Radio ... which has gone down in hip hop history. It also, obviously, refers to the Grizzlies as a unit in general ... and their ferocious fluffy mascot.

And yes ... it's also very likely one final shot at SF Dillon Brooks, who was talking mad s*** to LeBron early on in the series -- and who famously said after their Game 2 win that he liked to "poke bears" when asked about his back-and-forth with LeBron on the court.

You'll recall ... Dillon brazenly called Bron "old" and said he doesn't respect anybody who doesn't give him at least 40 points. LBJ never quite did that but he owned the dude in just about every respect of the game ... not to mention the Memphis squad as a whole.

Dillon has mostly avoided talking to the media since then ... and his playoff performance was mediocre, to say the least. Seems like LeBron isn't letting him live it down just yet.

Amid rumors of health issues that keep him confined to his home, Jack Nicholson made his joyous return to the public eye Friday night, attending an LA Lakers playoff game.

The 3-time Oscar-winning actor got a hero's welcome of sorts as he sat with his son, Ray, courtside to watch the Lakers trounce the Memphis Grizzles -- 125 to 85 -- at Crypto.Com Arena in LA.

Several celebs approached Jack to welcome him back to one of his favorite pastimes -- cheering on the Lakers live from the arena's floor.

"Curb your Enthusiasm" star Larry David came over to greet Jack before the start of the first-round playoff game.

Lakers legend LeBron James took some time out of his warm-up to chat with Jack and give him a hug.

Tee, the father of Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, posed for photos with Jack, who gave a thumbs-up to the lensman.

A journalist also got into the mix, telling Jack, "Welcome back."

It was the first time anyone had seen Jack at a Lakers game since Oct. 2021. Stories began to surface in the tabloids that Jack had become a recluse due to mounting health concerns.

But, there was no hint of Jack's rumored demise last night. He appeared to be in great spirits, sporting his customary black shades and flashing his famous Cheshire grin.

Kevin Durant is gonna "do it" for the rest of his life -- the NBA superstar just signed a contract with Nike that will keep him with the shoe giant until he takes his last breath.

The two sides announced the massive news on Friday ... saying they're both thrilled to be attached at the hip for decades to come.

"When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership," KD said, via Boardroom.

"We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever. I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal."

The 34-year-old NBA champion first teamed up with the Swoosh as a rookie in 2007 ... and has released 15 signature shoes over the course of his career.

KD's contract is super rare, but not unheard of -- the only other athletes to get the honor are Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Not only will the brand continue to release KD shoes and merch, but it will also continue to help with his foundation and initiatives to expand the game of basketball to communities throughout the world.

The Celtics' closeout win over the Hawks on Thursday was apparently bittersweet for Jayson Tatum ... who admitted after the game he was kinda pissed it ultimately forced Janet Jackson to postpone one of her concerts.

Just after Boston took down Trae Young's squad in Game 6 of the Celts' playoff series with Atlanta, Tatum got on the courtside microphone ... and said he was sorry to Jackson.

If you're unfamiliar, because Boston didn't beat the Hawks in Game 5 ... the two teams had to return to State Farm Arena on the same night Jackson was supposed to perform as part of her "Together Again" tour. The decision was made to move her show to Friday night so the NBA playoff game could be played.

Tatum was clearly bothered by it all ... because after he helped the C's to a 128-120 win -- he told NBA on TNT, "I want to say an apology to the legend Janet Jackson."

"We were supposed to close out in Boston and she had to postpone her show. I hope she sees this. I apologize for that."

No word yet from Jackson on the matter ... but we're sure she appreciates the shoutout nonetheless.

As for where Tatum goes from here ... Boston's next series against the Sixers will begin on Monday -- leaving him plenty of time to potentially catch one of Jackson's three shows this weekend.

James Harden didn't exactly use at least one of his days off between NBA playoff series for relaxation ... TMZ Sports has learned the 76ers star was involved in a dispute with a man outside of a Las Vegas hotel and casino earlier this week.

According to video we obtained, Harden was at an entrance to the Flamingo on the Strip at around 1:25 AM on Monday -- just two days after Philadelphia won its opening-round playoff series over the Nets in Brooklyn -- when he got into an argument.

The footage shows the Sixers point guard yelled at the man ... before he tapped the guy's chest and smacked his face.

Our sources tell us the man in the video is a member of Harden's crew ... and after the exchange, the two went about their night as if nothing happened.

It's unclear what all kick-started the confrontation -- but witnesses told us once Harden noticed people were watching nearby ... the basketball player and the man he was quarreling with headed inside of the building together.

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept. spokesperson tells us officers were not called to the scene ... saying on Wednesday, "We have had no incidents involving James Harden reported to the LVMPD."

Lamar Odom is reaching out his hand to Bam Margera in the midst of all his substance abuse and legal problems, saying he's more than happy to help, free of charge, if the reality star allows it.

We caught up with the former NBA star in Manhattan Beach, CA and he offered some advice for the former "Jackass" star ... hours after Bam turned himself in to PA cops for allegedly assaulting his brother.

Lamar says, his first piece of advice is for Bam to lean into religion -- if it's something in his life -- to help him during his troubles. LO also personally invited BM to one of the 3 wellness centers he co-owns and operates, called Odom Wellness Treatment Centers, to address substance and drug abuse problems ... reminding us, he's been through it too.

As we reported, Bam surrendered Thursday to face charges in Pennsylvania for allegedly attacking his brother, Jess, last weekend. Cops say he threatened to put a bullet in Jess' head before going on the run. Bam denies that's how the story unfolded.

Regardless, he's been dealing with a ton of issues lately -- most of them seemingly tied to his addiction and mental health issues.

As we reported, the 2-time NBA champ acquired 3 rehab centers in Southern California and is now on a mission to help others in need. You'll recall, LO overdosed at a Nevada brothel in 2015 and suffered kidney failure, heart attacks, and several strokes ... but he's been able to turn his life around.

Lamar says he's welcoming Bam with open arms if, and only if, he wants the help. He left off with a simple message to BM ... "I love him and just stay strong."