IMAGN/GettyJoe Pytka -- the director of Michael Jordan's original "Space Jam" -- is going off on LeBron James' reboot, calling it an uninteresting mess ... and that's about the nicest thing he has to say.
Pytka -- who's also known for directing popular music videos and commercials in the '80s and '90s, including the "I Am Tiger Woods" ad -- tells TMZ ... "Space Jam: A New Legacy" is so boring, he couldn't finish it in one sitting.
In fact, he says it took him 5 separate sessions to complete its 2-hour runtime.
GettyThe director has several issues with the reboot, starting with LBJ. Pytka points out when "Space Jam" was made in 1996, MJ wasn't just the best basketball player ... he was the biggest celebrity in the world.
Joe says LeBron's an incredible athlete and a very good actor, but adds ... "The truth is that LeBron ain't Michael." On top of that, Pytka says his film tied the plot to MJ's personal life -- retiring from hoops to play baseball -- while the new movie's missing a personal connection to LeBron.
Pytka's just getting started ... he feels the 1996 "Space Jam" featured a far superior supporting cast with Charles Barkley, Muggsy Bogues, Shawn Bradley and Bill Murray. In 'New Legacy' ... he says he can't even remember one thing Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard or the others did.
The director also thinks the reboot's soundtrack is "insignificant" while the OG's is classic, but his biggest beef is what happened to Bugs Bunny. No spoilers here, but Joe sees Bugs' role in 'New Legacy' as "heartbreaking."
Pytka says this new BB has no connection to previous depictions -- something they paid close attention to with the OG "Space Jam." In short, he says the new version "looked like one of those fluffy dolls you buy at an airport gift shop to bring your kid when your business trip has taken too long."
Take all this with a grain of salt, because Joe acknowledges his "Space Jam" was mostly panned by critics -- just like this reboot -- but it still became a cult classic.
And, to be clear, Pytka says he's not mad about 'A New Legacy' ... he just thinks it sucks. Ouch!!! As Bugs would say, "What's up, Doc???"
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Milwaukee Bucks Fans Flee In Terror After Gunshots Ring Out ... At Title Celebration
7/21/2021 6:39 AM PT
Dozens of gunshots sent celebrating Milwaukee Bucks fans running for their lives after Tuesday night's NBA championship game ... and video from the scene is chilling.
It all happened near Fiserv Forum, where just minutes prior to the chaos, Giannis Antetokounmpo had helped earn Milwaukee an NBA title with a victory over the Suns.
Multiple cameras captured the terrifying images from the streets surrounding the arena ... and in footage from WISN12 News' broadcast -- you can see just how horrifying the situation was.
Gunfire erupted loudly and repeatedly near hundreds of fans who were celebrating the victory ... and it all grew so intense, people could be seen sprinting from the area in fear.
Terrifying moments on Water Street as dozens of shots ring out where crowds of #Bucks fans were celebrating the win @cbs58 pic.twitter.com/DZqTjRrkc4
— Michele Fiore (@michelehana) July 21, 2021 @michelehanaMilwaukee Police have not given specific details surrounding the shots yet -- but officials did say in a statement Wednesday that 3 people were injured in shootings shortly after the Bucks won it all.
According to cops, a 19-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man, and a 22-year-old man all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police added they've launched an investigation into it all.
The moment in the Deer District when the Milwaukee #Bucks won the #NBAFinals for the first time in 50 years. 65,000 are here to witness history outside of the Fiserv Forum.
CELEBRATE, MILWAUKEE!! pic.twitter.com/IVubkZYmeC
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) July 21, 2021 @KyleMalzhanJust before the gunfire broke out ... the scene was epic in Milwaukee -- with more than 60,000 fans cramming into areas near the stadium to watch the game and then celebrate the win afterward.
Some were seen climbing on street poles after the victory ... while others were caught on camera leaping into the Milwaukee River.
Bucks fans are jumping off a bridge into the Milwaukee River near Pere Marquette Park pic.twitter.com/nIYtP1zPeF
— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) July 21, 2021 @tmj4The NBA championship is Milwaukee's first since 1971.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Leads Milwaukee Bucks To NBA Title ... First Since 1971!!!
7/20/2021 8:44 PM PT
GettyThe Larry O'Brien Trophy is coming back to Milwaukee after a 50-year drought -- Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks just eliminated the Phoenix Suns to win the NBA championship!!
The Greek Freak was nothing short of insane on the court during Game 6 on Tuesday ... earning 50 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks. He also went 17-19 from the charity stripe.
The Suns kept it a close game -- the final was 105 to 98 ... but the Greek Freak and Co. proved to be too much for PHX.
The Deer District -- the fan zone outside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee -- went absolutely insane as their beloved team won it all ... jumping up and down and chanting for the new champs.
The win all but certainly cements Giannis' spot in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame -- the 2-time regular season MVP scored over 40 points in 3 of the 6 games in the series.
Giannis finished with an average of 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5 assists and shot 62% from the field on the series.
Of course, with those kind of numbers, Giannis was the obvious choice for Finals MVP -- the first of his career.
Giannis Antetokounmpo accepts the 2020-21 Bill Russell #NBAFinals MVP trophy! pic.twitter.com/iCYriEyt76
— NBA (@NBA) July 21, 2021 @NBAIt's a devastating loss for Suns superstar guard Chris Paul ... who was just 2 games away from winning his first ring.
The celebration is just getting started in Milwaukee ... so be sure to check back for all the (probably) drunken debauchery in the morning.
Congrats to the champs!!!
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Ray Allen Suffers Bloody Injuries In Bicycle Crash ... 'My Helmet Saved Me'
7/19/2021 8:08 AM PT
TMZ CompositeEx-NBA star Ray Allen suffered gnarly injuries in a bicycle crash over the weekend ... and he says the accident was so bad, he could've been SERIOUSLY injured if he weren't wearing his helmet.
The 2-time NBA champ spelled out the scary details of the incident on his social media page Sunday ... saying he was riding his bike in his neighborhood when a car pulled up behind him.
"As I looked back behind me," Allen said, "the car was gone, but, the minute I turned my head back to what was in front of me, it was too late."
Allen says he crashed into a tree branch and was violently thrown from his ride.
"I landed on my face, shoulder and hip," Allen said.
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LeBron James Shots with Tequila at NBA Finals!!! Pumps Players' Booze Biz
7/18/2021 8:03 AM PT
IMAGNLeBron James isn't playing in the NBA Finals, but he's definitely playing AT them ... as he was spotted chilling courtside in Phoenix ... with a full bottle of Tequila!!! Hardcore playing.
King James was quite the sight Saturday night during Game 5 -- he had the bottle of booze between his legs, sitting on the court. Fans know LeBron typically gets his way on the court, but this seemed ridiculous. Ever try bringing your own liquor into a game? Don't.
They let me??? Ok we’ll go with that! “BYOT” Bring Your Own Tequila! 😁😎🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺 @Lobos1707 https://t.co/HbfenvIK8O
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 18, 2021 @KingJamesOf course, if you're LeBron it's a different story, and the bottle of Lobos 1707 was more for business than drunken fun, we're guessing.
As we've reported ... LBJ and several other NBA players are investors in the brand. There's a reason the Lakers star had the label out toward cameras. Smart business, man.
His teammate Anthony Davis and Warriors star Draymond Green are also investors in the booze.
LeBron's pal, Chris Paul, and the Phoenix Suns lost the game and now trail 3-2 in the series -- but LeBron came out the winner off the court.
And yeah, he probably enjoyed a shot or 2 himself to celebrate "Space Jam: A New Legacy" hitting theaters.
Yet another way LeBron's become a big-time shot caller!!!
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Candace Parker First Female Ever On NBA 2K Cover ... 'Extremely Proud & Humbled'
7/14/2021 8:57 AM PT
nba.2k.comWNBA superstar Candace Parker is making history again ... she will be the first female ever to be on an NBA 2K video game cover!
The Chicago Sky center and NBA 2K made the announcement Wednesday ... saying the basketball legend will grace the front of one of the editions of this year's NBA 2K22 game.
"I’m honored to work with a company that’s investing in women and betting on us to succeed," the 35-year-old baller said.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
View this post on Instagram"Being a player in 2K was a dream of mine; having the privilege to be a broadcaster in 2K was a goal of mine, and now being on the cover brings it all full circle."
Parker is certainly deserving of the honor -- she's a 2-time MVP, a 6-time All-Star and she owns a WNBA championship plus 2 Olympic gold medals.
And, before going #1 in the 2008 WNBA Draft, she won 2 NCAA championships and completely dominated at Tennessee.
Oh, she's also the first female to dunk twice in a college game!!
"I don’t take any of this for granted and I appreciate all of those who came before me and laid the groundwork for this moment. I’m hopeful there will be many more badass females to follow."
Huge honor to be on the cover of #NBA2K22. Thanks @NBA2K! pic.twitter.com/ptIhpVNUdN
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) July 14, 2021 @luka7doncicNBA 2K also announced Luka Doncic, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki will be cover athletes on other editions of this year's game.
The game is slated to come out on September 10.
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Jericho Sims NBA Draft Prospect Injures Eye On Rim ... During Insane Dunk
7/14/2021 6:52 AM PT
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THROWIN' DOWNEver seen a dude jump so high during a dunk that he injured his face on the rim???
Well, now ya have ... 'cause NBA draft prospect Jericho Sims did just that Tuesday night -- and video of the scene is absolutely WILD!!!
Sims was warming up to try to put on a show for scouts at this week's Klutch Sports Pro Day ... when he elevated so high for a dunk, his eye came down and scraped the rim.
Check out the footage, the 22-year-old former Texas Longhorns star was a legit FOOT above the goal before his head came crashing down on the iron ... and he had to wipe away at his face afterward to try to stop the pain.
Don't worry ... Sims ended up being just fine -- and he went on to prove to NBA execs throughout the evening his hops are seriously no joke.
In fact, NBA superstar Ja Morant was so impressed with the guy ... he even tweeted a shocked reaction to the throwdown!!!
wtf 🥴🥴🥴 https://t.co/dXhQXiGys8 pic.twitter.com/aAL352YEyO
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 14, 2021 @JaMorantThe 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward -- who averaged 9.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as a senior in 2021 -- was not initially thought to be a potential first-round pick later this month ... but he's shown so much athleticism in pre-draft workouts, pundits are now rethinking that idea.
Better put some bubble wrap on those NBA rims when this guy gets to the show!!
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Scottie Pippen Renting Out Chicago Home To Fans ... For Olympics Watch Parties
7/14/2021 2:50 AM PT
Gallery Pippen's Palace Launch Gallery AirbnbForget watching the Tokyo Olympics at a bar -- Scottie Pippen is offering fans a WAY cooler watch party option ... his own Chicago home!!!
TMZ Sports has learned the former NBA star is renting out his pad for 3 one-night stays in August to a max of four people to have Olympics watch parties -- and the spot is amazing!
We're told Scottie's home features an indoor basketball court AND an outdoor one ... and also has an arcade and a SWEET pool.
AirbnbPippen's place also promises a stacked kitchen ... filled with fresh fruit, veggies and Scottie's favorite pregame and game-time meals (AKA steak and potatoes).
Oh, and the place even comes with a whole movie theater to catch all of the Olympic events!
We're told Pippen's hookin' up his guests with theater footage of the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics as well ... with exclusive access to his Olympic memorabilia.
Of course, the Hall of Famer won't be there for the stays -- but we're told Scottie will give a virtual welcome check-in ... and his spot comes with staff available on-call too.
The coolest part of the experience? It only costs $92 per night via the special Airbnb offer -- a tip of the cap to the 1992 year that Scottie won his gold medal.
We're told the place will be available on July 22 to be rented out for Aug. 2, 4 and 6.
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Byron Scott On Team USA Loss Biggest Upset Ever ... Olympic Gold Not Guaranteed
7/12/2021 9:40 AM PT
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TEAM USA NEEDS TEAM BASKETBALLByron Scott says Kevin Durant and Team USA's weekend loss to Nigeria was the biggest upset in the history of USA hoops ... and breezing through the Olympic tourney is no longer a foregone conclusion.
TMZ Sports talked to the former star player and coach ... only minutes after Nigeria downed the U.S., 90-87 in a tune-up (exhibition) game for the Olympics.
"I wouldn’t say one of the biggest, that’s probably the biggest upset," Scott says.
But, why is it such a shocker??
Consider this ... when USA and Nigeria faced off less than a decade ago at the London Olympics, America dominated Nigeria on the court -- winning by 83 points.
83 POINTS (that squad had Kobe Bryant & LeBron James, FWIW).
Despite still having a pretty stacked roster complete with KD, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal and Dame Lillard ... Nigeria's squad -- with 7 active NBA players -- clearly weren't intimated.
Team USA recently came together and only had a few practices ... meanwhile Nigeria has been practicing for weeks.
And, that's why Scott says things have changed ... and gold is no longer a guarantee.
"It’s not a given. It’s not a given by the USA anymore. Basketball in this world has caught up to the U.S. of A. And it’s going to be that much tougher for them to win the gold this year, no doubt about that."
But, Byron still has faith ... we asked if he still sees gold in Team USA's future.
Scott's response ... "Absolutely."
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USA Men's Basketball 1984 Olympic Gold Medal Up For Auction, Could Fetch $70k!
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Team USA Basketball 1984 Gold Medal Hits Auction ... Could Fetch Over $70k!!!
7/11/2021 12:10 AM PT
Gallery The Auction Items Launch Gallery RR AuctionWanna have the same Olympic gold medal as Michael Jordan?!
A player from the Team USA hoops squad in 1984 is parting ways with their memento ... and it can be yours if you have a huge chunk of change lying around!!
This medal is from the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, when Team USA -- coached by college legend Bob Knight -- dominated with Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, Sam Perkins and Wayman Tisdale!!
GettyFYI, Jordan -- who led Team USA with 17.1 points per game -- was drafted by the Chicago Bulls one month before the '84 Olympics started ... and had yet to play in an NBA game!!
The team whooped 8 teams before receiving their medals and now one of them will be up for sale ... and it's expected to go for over $70k!!
The medal will be on the market with RR Auction ... and it still has all the fine details --- "XXIII Olympiad, Los Angeles 1984" inscribed on the front and "Basketball, Men" on the side plus the image of the Coliseum.
And, there's more priceless Olympics memorabilia in this upcoming auction:
A silver and bronze medal from the 1896 Olympics in Athens -- the first international games held in modern history -- will also be up for grabs.
The silver is expected to fetch over $75k ... and $40k for the bronze.
There's also a 1994 Winter Olympics torch that favors a 'sheath knife' with a handle representing Norway, where the games were held --- estimated to sell for over $30k!!
The auction starts on July 15 and will end on July 22.
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Drake Dating Johanna for Months Tight with Her Son, Too
7/10/2021 1:00 AM PT
Getty CompositeDrake's been doing more than just wining and dining his new boo, Johanna Leia, at Dodger Stadium ... he's also been mentoring her basketball prodigy son for months.
Sources close to the pair tell us they first met months ago through high school basketball -- Johanna's son, Amari Bailey, is a top prospect -- and the relationship grew from there. We're told Drake and Amari hit it off, and Drake's offered the kid advice on finances, fame and life, in general.
BackgridAmari is headed to UCLA in 2022, and our sources say Drake's given him pointers on how to handle all the attention and pressure that comes with being a star player. We're told they've spent some one-on-one time, and all 3 have hung out at Drake's home.
Our sources say prior to Drake, Johanna was with NBA'er Alfonzo McKinnie -- who helped Amari build his skills on the court -- so it looks like he's more than ready for the next level.
As we reported, ABC7's chopper spotted Drake and Johanna as they had Dodger Stadium to themselves for a date night, complete with a table on the first baseline. A Dodgers source told us the whole thing was a thank you for a sizeable donation Drake made to the team's charitable foundation.
Gallery Johanna Leia Hot Shots Launch Gallery Johanna is the first woman we've seen Drake with consistently in a while, but based on the grandeur of their "night on the town" -- and the time spent with her son -- you'd have to think things are pretty serious.
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Lamar Odom Inks Celebrity Boxing Deal ... Returning To Ring
7/10/2021 12:25 AM PT
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TIME FOR ROUND TWOTurns out Lamar Odom ain't a one-and-done fighter ... 'cause the ex-NBA star is stepping back in the squared circle.
Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman tells TMZ Sports the 41-year-old ex-Laker signed a new contract on Friday ... and will be fighting on October 10.
Of course, 6'10" Odom beat the brakes off Aaron Carter last month ... stopping the childhood pop sensation in the 2nd round.
Feldman tells us they're still looking for Lamar's opponent ... and are hoping a big celeb will step up and accept the challenge.
Odom previously told us boxing has been therapeutic for him ... helping him get back in tip-top shape following his near-death experience at The Bunny Ranch in Nevada.
LO isn't the only star fighting on the 10th... we're told former boxing stars Riddick Bowe (no opponent yet) and Paulie Malignaggi (he's fighting social media star Corey B) are also on the card.
Bowe was a huge deal back in the day ... earning the undisputed heavyweight title in 1992.
As for former 2 weight class world champ, Malignaggi ... he and Corey B got into an altercation at the Odom-Carter fight -- so there's already bad blood.
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WNBA's Renee Montgomery Suns Will Win Game 3, Go Up 3-0 ... $10K Winning Pick?!
7/10/2021 12:15 AM PT
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WIN BIG ON GAME 3!Can Chris Paul and Devin Booker lead the Phoenix Suns 1 step closer to the franchise's very 1st NBA title ... AND put 10k bucks in your pocket?!
Renee Montgomery -- former WNBA star and current Atlanta Dream co-owner (& TMZ Sports TV Show co-host) -- thinks yes ... definitely yes.
It's all part of a super easy contest ... just download the totally free Fox Bet Super 6 app and correctly answer 6 questions about game 3 of the NBA Finals going down Sunday night -- and you could win 10 grand.
But, don't worry ... Renee's here to help pick some winners.
How many points will CP3 and Booker score in the 1st half, combined? Renee thinks 24-27.
Giannis dunks in game 3? RM says 5+.
Check out the video ... Renee answers all 6 questions!!
The not so great news -- despite knowing everything about basketball -- there are no guarantees in sports.
Good luck!!
No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the US, excluding WA. 18 and older. See terms and conditions at foxsuper6.com. Sponsored & prize supplied by TSG Interactive US Services Limited.
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Terrence Ross Alleged Lambo Jacker Charged ... 16-Year-Old Kid
7/9/2021 10:49 AM PT
GettyThe guy who allegedly broke into a Lamborghini dealership and jacked NBA guard Terrence Ross' expensive whip has been arrested and charged ... and turns out, cops say the suspect is a 16-year-old kid.
As we previously reported, Ross' Lambo Urus -- a fancy SUV that starts at $220k -- was stolen from the Fields Motorcars of Florida dealership last month ... and the car ended up wrecked in Maitland, about 10 miles outside Orlando.
TMZ Sports has learned ... a male teen was charged with Burglary of a Structure and 3rd Degree Grand Theft after a month-long investigation ... with officials saying they identified the suspect via key witnesses and security footage.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
View this post on InstagramCops say the suspect crashed a gray Dodge Dart into the dealership around 1 AM to get Ross' key fob, hopped in his whip and drove off. Officials say the Dart was later reported stolen and found at a nearby business.
According to the police, Ross' Lambo was spotted cruising through Orange County around 3 AM ... and just a few hours later, cops received the call that Ross' SUV had crashed into a building in Maitland.
Remember, Ross was devastated to hear the news ... posting a video explaining what he had heard about the incident.
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6/1/21 I'M SICKBut, the good news?? Ross is rich (he's reportedly made more than $67 million in his career) ... but the hooper can still rest easy knowing cops got the person they believe is responsible for swiping the car.
The suspect is now in juvenile custody in Miami.
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Shaquille O'Neal Pantless For Live TV Segment ... Nice Undies!!!
7/9/2021 6:48 AM PT
We see London, we see France ... we see SHAQ'S UNDERPANTS!!!
Shaquille O'Neal is out to prove the quarantine look is still in style ... with the NBA legend going business up top, nothing on the bottom for a live TV segment!!
Of course, we've all been there at some point in the pandemic ... but the Hall of Famer had no problem showing off his skivvies while on air for NBA TV Thursday night.
The Big Aristotle had just finished his final segment of the 2021 season after the Suns beat the Bucks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals ... and decided to celebrate by hopping up and dancing like crazy!!
.@SHAQ & @TheJetOnTNT had to celebrate their last segment of the NBA season 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Laiw1tLCPD
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 9, 2021 @NBATVThe 7'1", 330-lb. big man even pulled a Petey Pablo by taking his blazer off, twistin' it around his hand and spinnin' it like a helicopter.
O'Neal even started doing jumping jacks ... later admitting it made him "tired as hell."
The moment is hilarious ... and even his fellow "Inside the NBA" analyst pal, Kenny "The Jet" Smith, had to get in on the party -- although it appears he was fully clothed.
Hey, Shaq and Kenny deserve the break -- as Smith points out, it was basically 2 NBA seasons back to back, thanks to the pandemic.
Now, the guys can enjoy their extra free time in their underwear ... but hopefully we don't have to see it all over national TV next time??
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Lil Baby & James Harden Rapper Released by French Cops After Weed Bust
7/9/2021 6:06 AM PT
Gallery The Cop Encounter Launch Gallery Backgrid UPDATE6:03 AM PT -- 7/9 -- Law enforcement sources tell us Lil Baby has been released ... he'll have to pay French authorities a fine.
UPDATE1:35 PM PT -- A spokesperson for the Paris Police Dept. tells us Baby was taken into custody with one other person on a drug charge. The person says Harden was not arrested or taken into custody.
UPDATE11:55 AM PT -- Sources close to Harden tell us the hooper did not break any laws and was allowed to go about his day.
Lil Baby and NBA star James Harden have been stopped by police in Paris ... with a report claiming the rapper was arrested for weed.
Harden and several other men were swarmed by cops during an apparent search on the popular Avenue Montaigne. In one video circulating on social media, the Brooklyn Nets superstar can be heard saying he doesn't understand what's going on as cops begin to search him.
Bravo à la police française 🤦🏾♂️ des incompétents… même pas capable de reconnaître James HARDEN pic.twitter.com/YLAeBFdaXk
— cateregardeap (@TiSoldier971) July 8, 2021 @TiSoldier971One photo shows an officer holding what appears to be a vaping device ... unclear who it belongs to or whether is contained the alleged marijuana.
BackgridBaby was seated in the back of a police van and appeared to be handcuffed ... local reports say he was among 3 people arrested for some sort of marijuana-related charge. The report said the vehicle the men were traveling in was pulled over and officers could smell marijuana. There were allegedly 20 grams of weed discovered.
We reached out to the Paris Police Dept. who would only tell us the incident was currently an active investigation.
Lil Baby and Harden are in the French city for Paris Fashion Week.
Originally published -- 7/8 -- 11:04 AM PT
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