TMZ Sports - Page 50

Russell Westbrook wasted no time getting back to work after becoming a Laker -- the NBA superstar got in an intense workout in LA on Friday ... and he says he's feeling "great!!!"

32-year-old Brodie -- who grew up in SoCal -- has been touring his old stomping grounds after the news broke Thursday ... including a trip to The Nice Guy in WeHo with his buddy, Kevin Hart.

But, it was back to business on Friday ... with the 2017 MVP working up a shirtless sweat at a nearby training facility.

Westbrook is clearly happy -- the smile hasn't left his face since the deal ... and who knows if it'll ever leave!!

The guy even shared a tweet hyping up his new team just minutes ago ... saying, "HomeTeam. WHYNOT?"

Westbrook also spoke with cameras briefly as he left his workout ... saying, "I feel good, brother."

When asked how it feels to be coming home, he replied, "great!"

Two more stars are headed to Hollywood ... the Dodgers just landed two of the best players in baseball, Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, in a trade with the Nationals.

The deal -- which got done right at Friday's MLB trade deadline -- is MASSIVE for L.A. ... which now boasts probably the best hitting lineup AND starting pitching rotation in baseball.

Scherzer -- who owns a 7-4 record this season with a 2.83 ERA -- will join Cy Young-quality arms like Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw and potentially Trevor Bauer (who's currently on paid leave) as Dodgers' SPs.

Turner, meanwhile, will join a lineup that already featured mega-stars like Mookie Betts, Justin Turner, Corey Seager and Max Muncy.

It's been reported that Turner -- who's batting .322 with 18 home runs and 21 stolen bases this season -- will make the move from shortstop to second base when he gets to Los Angeles.

As for what the Dodgers had to give up to land the pair ... L.A. sent a slew of prospects, including catcher Keibert Ruiz, in order to get the deal done.

The Dodgers are currently 3 games back behind the Giants for first place in the NL West ... but something tells us that gap is about to narrow in a hurry.

The New Orleans Saints are doing their part to try to get people vaccinated as COVID cases are surging in Louisiana ... trading signed jerseys for shots at their training camp Friday.

N.O. officials made the vaccines available to fans at their practice facility in Metairie ... and encouraged people to show up by giving away autographed Michael Thomas and Cameron Jordan swag.

And, while they limited the cool gear to just the first 15 people who got the shots, the gesture is a powerful one ... considering how bad COVID is hitting the state at the moment.

More than 20,000 people have tested positive for the virus in Louisiana in the last week ... making it arguably the nation's biggest COVID hotspot area.

Of course, Sean Payton knows all too well the effects of the virus ... the Saints head man was the first big NFLer to test positive for COVID in 2020, and battled fever and chills in his bout with it.

It's vacation time for Lionel Messi ... and the soccer megastar is enjoying his annual getaway on the Spanish waters with his wife, kids, and bestie, Luis Suarez!!!

Of course, Messi and Suarez are as close as it gets ... and the gang has been known to tour Spain on expensive boats during the summer months over the past few years.

2021 is no different, with both families bringing their kids along for a bit of R&R ... and fellow pal Cesc Fàbregas coming along for the ride.

Messi has a lot to celebrate -- he's fresh off his Copa America victory with Argentina ... the first of his career!!!

Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, Suarez's wife, Sofia Balbi, and Fàbregas' wife, Daniella Semaan, look to be enjoying the trip ... and they all look incredibly stunning!!

We can't forget to mention the fellas, though -- they look just as shredded as you'd expect ... after all, they are world-class athletes.

Tim Tebow will not stop ballin' at Jags camp ... here's the Jacksonville tight end catching a TD pass from the team's new superstar QB, Trevor Lawrence!!!

Yup, you know what this means ... Tebow might actually make the team!!!!!!!

Tim has been flashing during his first training camp workouts with the Jaguars this month ... he's shown off good hands, a jacked frame, AND he's already a crowd favorite.

But, as far as we know, this was Lawrence's first TD connection with the former Heisman Trophy winner ... and it's got us all now wondering, is this a glimpse into the Jaguars' future???

The play was pretty sweet ... Lawrence rolled out to his left in a team red-zone drill and found Tebow dragging across the back of the endzone for a score.

No celebration from Tim -- just a low-five with his teammate -- but the fans sure gave him applause for the grab.

Of course, Tim has been considered a long shot to make Jacksonville's opening day roster ... but quickly developing chemistry with Lawrence could change all of that.

Michael Che is half-heartedly trying to do damage control after sharing some harsh and tasteless jokes about Simone Biles dropping out of Olympic events.

The 'SNL' star announced late Thursday night on social media he intended to try out some Simone jokes on stage in NYC. That apparently set off a bunch of his followers ... who suggested some material he could add to his act, and Michael reposted them -- including one referencing now convicted molester, Larry Nassar ... Simone being one of his victims.

Che reposted, "Larry Nasser understands Simone Biles better than anyone. He too had to quit doing what he loved at the pinnacle of his career because of mounting pressure."

He critiqued it, writing ... "goddamn, that's rough. absolutely tasteless," but gave it a 9 out of 10. Again, Nassar was convicted of molesting 10 young women in the U.S. gymnastics program.

Che also shared a far less brutal "joke" when he reposted, "Who said black don't crack?"

It's unclear if he actually followed through and tried his, or any of his followers', material onstage. He claimed to have about 3 minutes worth of Biles material on his own.

Che clearly knew there would be severe online backlash for taking shots at such a beloved athlete. Early Friday morning he posted, "I got hacked today. can't believe they got me. yall kno I only do jokes about whites and cops."

Suni Lee is about to be one VERY rich 18-year-old college student -- the gold medalist just surpassed 1 million followers on Instagram ... and is poised to stack some SERIOUS endorsement money!!!

Lee -- the first Hmong American to make the USA Olympic gymnastics team -- cemented her spot in history after taking top honors in the all-around competition on Thursday ... with a bunch of new fans slamming that "follow" button on the social media app.

Lee was hovering around 250k followers prior to her gold medal win ... and saw that number SKYROCKET in the hours after her incredible performance, saying she's "speechless" with the milestone.

Of course, Lee -- who's slated to continue her gymnastics career at Auburn this fall -- usually wouldn't be able to cash in on that kinda exposure due to the NCAA's name, image and likeness rules ... but luckily for her, the organization lifted its policy earlier this month.

In other words, Lee is free to ink a TON of endorsement and sponsorship deals following her rise to superstardom without forfeiting her college career ... something that's never been done in the sport before.

That wasn't always the case. Back in 2016 ... Katie Ledecky -- one of the Summer Games breakout stars -- was forced to forego a ton of endorsement money after she decided to attend Stanford University.

Lee is now a household name, regardless of her social media presence, but having more than a million followers on IG certainly doesn't hurt her chances at lining her pockets.

Auburn coach Jeff Graba spoke about the importance of the new NIL rules for Lee's career ... saying, "I just love the fact that ... thank goodness for the NIL, because she doesn’t have to make a horrible decision," he said, according to al.com.

"She’s capable of, in her words, 'I want it all. I want to be able to do everything.' Now she actually gets that shot."

Conor McGregor certainly looks like a guy hellbent on resuming his fighting career ... 'cause he's already back in the gym, less than a month after gnarly leg surgery!!

The UFC superstar showed off some pics from his late-week workout on Friday ... and by the looks of the photos, it seems Conor ain't holdin' back much in the weight room.

The 31-year-old got in some quad work, some pull-ups and some shoulder exercises ... a truly remarkable feat, given what he went through just days ago.

As we previously reported, Conor went under the knife for nearly four hours on July 12 to fix a broken leg he suffered while fighting Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

The procedure was not a simple one ... docs had to place plates and screws in his lower leg to repair all of the damage.

Many wondered if it could be career-ending... but Conor's dropping major hints that he's eyeing a comeback -- writing on his social media page along with the workout pics, "There are no limits to what we can overcome."

"Find the way!"

McGregor has stayed in great spirits since the injury ... laying poolside with drinks, rehabbing with MLB star Ronald Acuna, and even hanging with Justin Bieber.

Simone Biles is opening up about the mental block she's currently experiencing in Tokyo ... calling her issues "petrifying" and saying she fears she could get seriously hurt if she keeps trying to compete while it's going on.

Biles said during a social media Q&A Thursday night that the problems are called the "twisties" ... and explained her mind and body just simply won't connect now during stunts.

"It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind & body in sync," Biles said.

"Literally can not tell up from down. It's the craziest feeling ever. Not having an inch of control over your body."

Biles added, "What's even scarier is since I have no idea where I am in the air I also have NO idea how I'm going to land, or what I'm going to land on. head/hands/feet/back...."

The positive news -- if there can be any sort of thing given the situation -- is Biles said she's experienced all of this before ... and claims it usually goes away.

"Typically for me it's usually 2 or more weeks when I've had them before," the 24-year-old gymnast said. "Honestly no telling time frame something you have to take literally day by day, turn by turn."

Biles said getting back to the basics and working in a foam pit can help her get her bearings back ... and fortunately, she says she's found a place in Tokyo to work on all of that.

While Biles has withdrawn from two big events already at this summer's Olympics ... she can still compete in several more events next week.

Unclear if she'll be ready in time ... but she made it very apparent she's not going to risk her health going for more gold.

"For anyone saying I quit, I didn't quit," she said. "My mind & body are simply not in sync."

Russell Westbrook couldn't have looked happier right after his big trade to the Lakers ... hitting an L.A. hot spot with Kevin Hart on Thursday -- smiling from ear-to-ear!!!

Of course, Brodie was the centerpiece of a MASSIVE deal between the Lake Show and Washington Wizards ... with Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and draft picks getting shipped out of town for the 2017 MVP.

Westbrook -- a SoCal native -- wasted no time celebrating his big homecoming ... rolling through The Nice Guy with his comedian friend just a few hours after the news broke.

Hart spoke with our camera guys Thursday night ... saying the move means "everything" for the Lakers.

While there are some folks wondering how the new Big 3 of Bron, Russ and Anthony Davis would mesh, the guys certainly seem to get along off the court.

Remember, James hosted Westbrook at his L.A. home for stogies a few years back ... and the L.A. Times reports the trio met up prior to the trade and agreed to put their egos aside.

LeBron certainly seems THRILLED with the trade ... posting a photoshopped pic of his new teammate in the Purple and Gold on Instagram.

Chris Jericho had his face grated by a pizza cutter in the middle of a wrestling match Wednesday night ... and the entire scene was both bloody and gruesome.

The shocking moment all went down as the wrestling superstar was taking on Nick Gage in an AEW event ... and scripted or not, Jericho sure seemed to be in a world of pain as he was getting cut by the kitchen utensil on his forehead.

As part of the match -- dubbed a "No Rules" one -- both dudes were getting after each other ... and both guys were bloody messes by the end of it all.

At various points during the bout, Jericho slammed Gage through a glass pane, and even hit the wrestler in the head with light tubes.

But, the most insane moment had to be when Gage rolled a pizza cutter over Jericho's face ... because, well, watch the clip -- it's gnarly.

Interesting note, a Dominoes pizza ad played on screen during the pizza cutter stunt ... and the pizza giant is PISSED.

How pissed? They're reportedly mulling pulling ads from the AEW broadcast!!

As for the match, Jericho went on to win the event despite it all ... and afterward, he showed off the damage done to his face in a bloody selfie.

"Much respect to [Nick Gage]," Jericho said, as blood had dried all over his grill. "he is TOUGH AF!! But I’m INSANE...."

The marriage between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will last two more seasons before it ends ... so says Green Bay legend LeRoy Butler.

"After '22," Butler tells TMZ Sports, "I think [Rodgers] will be gone to wherever he wants to go and they'll be glad to get rid of him at that point."

It's a pretty bold prediction from the ex-Packers star safety ... because after Rodgers' candid meeting with reporters on Wednesday, many believe he's absolutely gone after this season.

If you missed it, Rodgers ripped Packers execs for not giving him more say in team decisions as well as not extending his contract when he says he initially asked for it all in February.

The writing seems to be on the wall that he'll be traded as soon as this season ends because of it ... but Butler tells us he thinks it'll play out differently.

LeRoy says he doesn't think Jordan Love will be ready to take over in 2022 ... and that'll lead to more offseason drama followed by yet another year of Rodgers under center.

"I think they'll go through this same thing again -- it'll be just as toxic," Butler says. "But, at the end of the day, I think Aaron will be the quarterback for '21 and '22."

As far as any other scenario -- like the Packers trading Love and extending Rodgers' contract -- Butler just doesn't see that going down.

"You would have to fire [general manager Brian Gutekunst]," Butler says. "There's no coming back from that."

Incredibly emotional moment at the 2021 NBA Draft ... when commissioner Adam Silver selected the late Terrence Clarke with an honorary pick on behalf of the league.

19-year-old Clarke -- a star for the University of Kentucky -- was killed in a tragic car accident back in April ... just months before he was set to become a rising star in the Association.

Clarke's name was still called Thursday night ... with Silver paying tribute before the 15th pick was made.

"His extraordinary talent, commitment and dedication to the game deserved to be recognized on this stage," Silver said.

Terrence's family was in attendance at Barclays Center for the honor ... with his mother, brother and sister receiving NBA-themed draft hats and walking on stage.

Silver continued ... "To the 3 of you, and to all those who knew and admired Terrence, please know that he will forever be part of the NBA family."

Clarke's mother was deeply emotional as she reached the stage ... hugging Silver as the entire room gave a standing ovation and chanted Terrence's name.

Clarke -- a projected to be a first round pick -- was beloved by the basketball community ... and had a bright future ahead on and off the court.

LeBron James is getting another superstar on his squad ... and it ain't Lola Bunny -- Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal!!!

The rumors had been swirling for weeks ... with many expecting the Lake Show to try and bring in another piece to help the King and co. return to the NBA Finals.

Now, it's become a reality -- with LA sending Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and a 2021 first-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for the 2017 MVP, according to ESPN.

It's a HUGE move -- Brodie is a triple-double machine ... averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists on his 13-season career.

It also allows Westbrook -- who is a Southern Cali native -- to return back to his roots and play for his hometown!!

LeBron has yet to address the trade ... but he's hosted Westbrook at his L.A. crib in the past, so we're sure he's all for bringing in another friend.

Now, the question is, does this new Big 3 dethrone the Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden as the most dangerous trio in the game right now???

The pick is in ... the Detroit Pistons have selected Oklahoma State superstar Cade Cunningham first overall in the NBA Draft!!

The decision was a total no-brainer -- Cunningham was Big 12 Player of the Year and an All-American with the Cowboys ... averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game in his lone college season.

He was an absolute beast at the high school level as well ... winning national player of the year honors at Montverde Academy in Florida.

With all that success at the HS and college level, it was no surprise the guy was going #1.

Of course, draft night is also all about the #fashion -- and TMZ Sports got footage of the guys as they headed over to Barclays Center earlier Thursday night ... with everyone all decked out in some of the best draft day suits we've ever seen!!!

Florida State forward Scottie Barnes is going the LeBron/Zion route -- rocking an all-white look. Congo's Jonathan Kuminga sticks out with some awesome orange threads.

There are also some eye-popping looks ... but ya gotta give credit to the guys for trying new styles!!

Jalen Green pulled off a bedazzled pinstripe suit and makes it look easy ... while Jalen Suggs also had a similar attention-grabbing ensemble.

There was also a tribute to the late Black Mamba -- LSU's Cam Thomas honored his favorite player of all-time, Kobe Bryant, with a special design inside his blazer.

How'd the Dallas Cowboys celebrate Dak Prescott's 28th birthday on Thursday??

A GIANT CAKE TO THE FACE, BABY!!!

Dak's offensive lineman, La'el Collins, appeared to orchestrate the whole thing after 'Boys practice in Oxnard, Calif. ... and it was all funny as hell.

Check out the footage shot by the team ... Collins brought out a cake, and got everyone in attendance to start singing "Happy Birthday" to Dallas' big star.

They eventually coaxed the quarterback to take the cake out of its box ... and as he was admiring his birthday dessert -- Collins, Ezekiel Elliott and a bunch of other Dallas O-lineman shoved it right into his grill!!

The yellow frosting got everywhere ... in Dak's eyes, mouth and even ears!!

To his credit, Prescott took it all in stride ... though he did make sure his best buddy Elliott got a little cake in the face too!!

Overall, it was a pretty solid B-day for Dallas' signal-caller ... his girlfriend, Natalie Buffett, wished him "Happy Birthday" earlier Thursday with an adorable message.

Prescott also found out earlier in the day his shoulder injury isn't expected to be serious ... and he's slated to be ready to go for Cowboys regular season in September.