TMZ Sports - Page 50

LaVar Ball is back in the U.S. -- and he's digging in his heels on his threats to the Lakers ... sign my other sons or I'm taking Lonzo Ball somewhere else.

"Man, who don't want they sons to play all on the same team?" Ball told us in front of his reality TV show crew at LAX ... "Name one father who don't want they sons to play on the same team?"

We asked if Lonzo would REALLY leave if LaVar doesn't get his way -- he looked at the camera and said, "I'll let y'all figure that out."

When it came to Magic Johnson, LaVar tried to deflect -- but ultimately told us he's not afraid of the Lakers' President of Basketball Operations.

The comments come in the wake of reports Magic was upset with LaVar over Ball's criticism of Lakers' head coach Luke Walton.

In the end, Ball says he still believes Lonzo will be the NBA's Rookie of the Year and even gave us a mid-season grade for his son.

Tiger Woods is still going strong with reported GF Erica Herman -- judging by the fact they just had a fancy dinner date at the hottest sushi joint in L.A.

The two were spotted leaving Nobu in Malibu on Thursday evening -- hours after Tiger wrapped up his first round at the Genesis Open in the Pacific Palisades.

Tiger didn't hit great at the tourney -- yet still managed to finish his first round just 1 over par.

He didn't appear to be in the best mood on the way out of Nobu -- but at least the company was good!

Woods and Herman have been linked together since October -- when they were spotted together at the President's Cup.

Conor McGregor hasn't stepped inside the Octagon in over 15 MONTHS ... and UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov says that's proof he ain't fighting EVER again.

At least, not in MMA.

"I don’t think he gonna come back," Khabib told TMZ Sports outside Jay Glazer's MMA gym in Hollywood.

"When is Conor compete last time in MMA? Long time. He's boxing guy."

Khabib says McGregor's team is focused on a rematch with Floyd Mayweather ... instead of a real fight against him or Tony Ferguson -- who he's facing at UFC 223 in April.

Khabib also told us his contract for the Ferguson scrap explicitly states they're fighting for the "real belt" -- which means the UFC is "100%" stripping Conor of his lightweight title.

FYI, Dana White still hasn't made an official decision on Conor's championship status or his future with the UFC.

Stay tuned ...

Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo choked back tears while delivering a powerful speech at the vigil for those lost in the tragic shooting at his H.S. alma mater ... and he's calling for the government to make a change.

Rizzo -- who attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL -- addressed the crowd mourning the 17 people killed in Wednesday's massacre ... promising to do whatever he can to help his community.

"I've been very impressed with talking to the students and how they're taking care of each other and how they're coming together," Rizzo said.

"I want you to know that you're not alone in your grief."

Rizzo added "I'm a baseball player, but I'm also an American, I'm a Floridian, and I'm a Parklander for life."

"While I don't have all the answers, I know that something has to change before this is visited by another community and another community and another community."

We also talked to PGA golfer Nicholas Thompson -- who was born and raised in the area, and graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas H.S. -- about the impact the shooting has had on his family, and how he plans to help the community heal.

Nigerian NBA player Festus Ezeli says it's about damn time the REAL Africa was depicted on a movie screen, and tells TMZ Sports he's excited that Marvel's "Black Panther" will do just that.

We got Festus at LAX and asked him just how jammed up he was about a superhero movie set completely on his home continent, and that's when he told us how important the film is to him.

"It's great to have a movie that depicts the REAL Africa."

Ezeli goes on to tell us he's sick of the perception that Africa is a poor, backwards continent, and he thinks BP, and it's portrayal of the resource-rich, fictional nation of Wakanda, can change that perception.

"Africa is a very rich continent, and people don't know that. I think it's great we having a movie like that coming out."

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone says he's slammin' beers and puffin' pot with Yancy Medeiros after they get done scrappin' at UFC Fight Night: Austin ... and he's 100% serious.

You see, unlike some brutes in the fight game, Cowboy tells TMZ Sports he doesn't hold grudges against the guys he goes to war with.

In fact, he does the opposite -- he bros out with 'em!

So after they throw down in Sunday's main event ... Donald says he's trippin' out to Yancy's home state of Hawaii to try some of that sweet, sweet island ganj.

Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga cannot use their son's child therapist to make their custody case ... at least that's what the lawyer for the 8-year-old is demanding ... TMZ has learned.

The lawyer the judge appointed to represent David Jr. has filed legal docs asking the judge to prohibit Jennifer or David from calling the therapist to the stand to testify about the boy's state of mind and how the custody war has affected him.

We're told the reason the lawyer wants the protective order is so David Jr. can feel comfortable opening up with his therapist about both parents, without fear they will learn what he said.

Both sides, we're told, have been put on notice that David Jr.'s lawyer is asking the judge for the order.

No decision has been made, but it's a good bet the judge will sign on.

A Miami Dolphins player is devastated by the mass school shooting that happened in his own backyard ... and he's calling for change.

Andre Branch gave TMZ Sports his take on the tragedy the morning after 17 high school students and teachers were gunned down in Parkland, Florida -- less than 30 miles from his home in Ft. Lauderdale -- and he essentially echoed Warriors coach Steve Kerr in calling for stricter gun laws.

"We live in a sick world," Branch said. "There's no reason that an individual, a child, should walk into a high school and be able to shoot up his peers and teachers."

FYI, Kerr went off after the shooting on Wednesday, saying -- "It doesn’t seem to matter to our government that children are being shot to death, day after day in schools ... it's disgusting."

LeBron James is letting the world know the disgusting, racist words spray painted on his home in 2017 were no fluke ... 'cause despite all his money and fame, he's still a target for racists.

We broke the story ... LeBron's old Brentwood home (he's since bought a new place in the neighborhood) was defaced back in 2017, with someone tagging the home with the n-word while the family was away.

LBJ took a ride with Kevin Durant & Cari Champion for Champion's show, "Rolling With The Champion," and talked about the incident, saying it was a reminder his status doesn't insulate him from racists.

"I'm a black man with a bunch of money, and having a crib in Brentwood and having the word n***** spray painted over my gate, that lets you know I ain't too far removed."

You can hear the sincerity in LeBron's voice, and he spoke at length about the fact that he still feels like bigoted scumbags don't care about what you have, just what color you are.

"They will always try to figure out a way to let you know you're still beneath them."

Brace yourselves for some SERIOUS cuteness overload.

Ciara and Russell Wilson posted these pics Thursday of 9-month-old bundle of joy, Sienna Princess. The pics were taken by the star Seahawks QB (he's got great hands, ya know) and posted on their fan app, TraceMe.

Sienna looks like, well, a princess ... complete with Russell's trademark curly locks. She definitely steals the show, but ya gotta hand it to Ciara -- she's looking mighty flawless.

Her son, Future Zahir, looks dapper and seems to be enjoying the photo sesh.

Wladimir Klitschko showed off his softer side on a Valentine's Day beach date with Hayden Panettiere in Barbados ... going full Dad-mode so Mom could catch some rays.

The former heavyweight champ spent the day pallin' around with his 3-year-old daughter, Kaya, at Sandy Lane Resort's private beach -- gently, of course.

But, don't get it twisted -- Wlad's still putting dad bods to shame at age 41. The recently retired boxer looked like Michael frickin' Phelps when he hit the water for some snorkeling.

Meanwhile, the "Nashville" star got to lounge on the shore and catch up on some reading ... but never broke out the bikini (sorry, guys).

Of course, the happy couple had to sneak in a makeout sesh to celebrate the holiday.

Get it, Wlad!!

Jaguars player Marqise Lee is in a legal battle with an L.A. cemetery that's refusing to allow the WR to dig up and move his brother's body ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Here's the deal ... Lee's brother Terreal Reid was shot and killed in 2006. He was buried in a "multiple plot" grave with 5 other bodies at Angeles Abbey Memorial Park in Compton.

Lee -- a 2nd round pick of the Jags in 2014 who caught 56 balls for 702 yards last season -- has petitioned L.A. Superior Court for the right to "disinter the remains of his brother" and move him to a single plot grave.

According to the docs, Lee says the cemetery has refused to exhume and relocate the body without a court order.

As for why Terreal was ever buried in a grave with other people ... Lee says his family only chose the grave site back in '06 'cause of the high cost of a single plot.

We spoke to Oscar Olivos, the owner of Angeles Abbey cemetery, who told us before burying a body, families sign contracts that prevent disinterment.

Tupac had "Dear Mama." Kanye had "Hey Mama."

Lonzo Ball has "LaVar."

The Lakers rookie (and part-time rapper) just dropped his new mixtape, "Born 2 Ball" -- and it ends with a brand new heartfelt song called, "LaVar" ... a lyrical tribute to his father.

During the 3 minutes and 15 second track, Lonzo calls out the haters and professes his love for his dad.

Lonzo says his dad is one of the hardest working people he knows who's always had his back since day 1. He also shouts out the Big Baller Brand and mentions that LaVar has been busting his ass to make the brand blow up.

He also says he doesn't get why so many people hate on BBB.

Ball also shouts out his brothers -- saying they're all three "killers" on the court.

To be honest, the track is pretty touching.

SLAY BITCHES ... SLAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

Prepare yourselves ... 'cause you are about to see the greatest all-male, big-belly-havin' dance troupe in all of professional sports BREAK IT THE HELL DOWN -- at the pick-up curb at LAX.

Meet the Mavs ManiAACs ... the hip-hop dynamos who have been killing it at the Dallas Mavericks home games since 2002!!!

The guys -- Big Rob, Big B, Black Rhino, Juice and the rest of the gang -- are so excited to be in L.A. for All-Star Weekend, they broke us off with a little sample right on the sidewalk!

They busted out the beatbox. They slapped a little ass. They got downright funky. The whole thing is pretty awesome!!!!

Watch, enjoy, and remember ... YOU'VE BEEN SERVED!!!!

If Chuck Liddell wants an opponent, it looks like he's got one -- 'cause Tito Ortiz says the Iceman's claim that he's ducking him is pure crap.

"Funny thing is, I told UFC to put the fight together and they said you were incapable to fight again," Ortiz tweeted. "Maybe you can twist Dana White's arm."

Remember -- TMZ Sports spoke with Chuck about his MMA comeback a few days ago ... and he told us his old rival was running scared.

"Tito would be great if he'd even consider fighting me. I hear he doesn't wanna fight me at all," Liddell said.

Now, Tito's calling Iceman's bluff -- asking Chuck to hit up his old buddy, Dana, so they can complete their trilogy.

The problem -- Dana pushed Chuck into retirement back in 2010, saying he'd never let him fight in the UFC again 'cause he cared too much about his friend's health. FYI, Liddell had lost by KO in 3-straight fights.

Here's NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo proving "Greek Freak" ain't just a nickname ... showing off his Valentine's Day present from his GF -- an on-demand oral sex bell!

And boy, is he happy about it.

"The Freak, he can be a freak on the court and on the sheets, you know what I'm saying?! WOO!!!" Antetokounmpo said.

Yeah, it's a gag gift (no pun intended) -- but we've never seen Giannis so pumped up about anything before!

His GF, Mariah, wasn't a big fan of him showing off their new toy to all his fans -- especially the kids and her fam -- but we're pretty sure she'll get over it.

After all, no doubt Giannis used some of his $100 MILLION contract to hook her up, too.