Luke Walton OUT AS LAKERS COACH ... 'Mutual' Agreement

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The Luke Walton era in Los Angeles is over -- he's out as the Lakers head coach ... but both sides are saying it was a "mutual" decision.

So, not fired???

"We would like to thank Luke for his dedicated service over the last three years," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement.

“We wish Luke and his family the best of luck moving forward.”

Walton also issued a statement saying, "I want to thank Jeanie Buss and the Buss family for giving me the opportunity to coach the Lakers."

"This franchise and the city will always be special to me and my family.”

The Lakers were 98-148 under Walton -- who was hired in April 2016. This season, after adding LeBron James, the Lakers finished with an abysmal 37-45 ... 10th place in the Western Conference.

Back in February, we spoke with Luke about the situation with the Lakers and he told us he LOVED being the head coach.

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ALL'S WELL IN LAKER LAND

So, who's next for L.A.? There are reports Ty Lue could take over -- reuniting LeBron James with his old coach from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There are also rumblings Luke is the frontrunner to be the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings, which just fired their head coach Thursday.

It's been a wild week for the Lakers -- with Magic Johnson surprisingly stepping down as the President of Basketball Operations on Tuesday ... minutes before the Lakers played their final game of the season.

Magic insisted he just wasn't happy in the role -- and wanted to be free to tweet about NBA topics and players without being fined by the league.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss says the team is actively looking for Magic's replacement.

Story developing ...

'Star Wars' 'Rise of Skywalker' Trailer Debuts ... Emperor Palpatine's Back!!!

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The end of the last Star Wars trilogy now has a name -- 'The Rise of Skywalker' -- and the world just got its first look at the trailer with a spectacular premiere in a galaxy not far ... from Lake Michigan.

Director J.J. Abrams and much of the cast were at Star Wars Celebration Chicago -- think Comic-Con strictly for 'Star Wars' -- when they pulled the curtain back on the highly anticipated trailer. Aside from revealing the title ... it also had Mark Hamill's voice and at least one scene with the late Carrie Fisher.

One of the bigger surprises is the creepy laugh at the end of the trailer ... signaling the return of the Emperor, as in Palpatine.

When the trailer ended ... Ian McDiarmid, the guy who plays the Emperor, was standing on the Chicago stage -- and delivered a message in character.

Watch ... the crowd went wild, and the Force was definitely with them.

Aaron Carter Flipping on Michael Jackson 'I Will Tell My Truth'

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I'LL SPEAK MY TRUTH

Michael Jackson's family is not gonna be happy with this -- Aaron Carter says he's finally ready to speak the truth about his experience with MJ.

We got Aaron out Thursday at LAX where he seemed to do a 180, saying he's going to reveal his experiences with the late singer ... as for whether it involved abuse, Aaron won't say either way.

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A MESSAGE FOR WADE

Remember ... it was exactly a month ago when Aaron came on "TMZ Live" and staunchly supported MJ, saying absolutely NOTHING happened in his encounters with MJ back in the day. Aaron also blasted the "Leaving Neverland" accusers, calling them liars, because he said they had the opportunity to come forward when MJ was alive, but didn't.

Check out the clip ... Aaron -- who says his family knows his truth about MJ -- says he's always gonna love Jackson's family ... even if they might not like what he will reveal.

Selma Blair I Gotta Sing!!! MS Can't Bring Me Down

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A CAMP REUNION

Selma Blair's zest for life is fully intact as she adjusts to life with multiple sclerosis ... which she made perfectly clear when she ran into a fan and started singing her heart out.

Selma was out in L.A. Thursday, enjoying a cup o' joe after leaving a beauty salon, when a young fan approached. Not just any fan, mind you -- the woman recognized the actress and said they'd gone to the same summer camp in Michigan. What happened next was ... pure joy.

It's great to see Selma smiling and laughing after recently opening up about her MS diagnosis with Robin Roberts. It's an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system, and it can cause chronic problems with vision, muscle control and balance.

While MS can make even the most basic tasks nearly impossible -- Selma's not letting her condition dampen her spirits.

BTW ... major props to her for remembering the camp song all these years later!!!

Robert Kraft Lawyers Fight Spa Video Release ... Prosecutors Admit 'No Trafficking'

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10:30 AM PT -- Prosecutors admitted during the hearing that despite their initial thoughts ... they have NO evidence of human trafficking at the Orchids of Asia spa. They also said there is no longer an ongoing investigation for any such evidence.

Kraft's attorneys have long argued cops knew all along there was no evidence of human trafficking.

The hearing is getting heated ... with Kraft's team insisting prosecutors are holding the threat of releasing the surveillance videos "like a sword" over Kraft's head ... in order to force him into taking a plea deal.

Robert Kraft's legal team marched into a Palm Beach County courthouse Friday morning prepared for war -- gearing up to argue why the Asian Spa video should NOT be released to the public.

Attorneys Alex Spiro (left), Jack Goldberger (center) and William Burck (right) arrived at the courthouse early Friday morning for the case with their game faces on.

As we previously reported, Kraft's team has been fighting like hell to keep the surveillance videos under wraps out of fear it could hamper his chances of getting a fair trial.

Several media outlets have filed court docs in the hopes of getting access to the video -- but Kraft thinks the judge has a duty to block it.

Cops say they recorded graphic footage of Kraft (and other men) inside the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida in January showing the 77-year-old receiving sex acts in exchange for money.

Kraft argued in several motions that the videos should NOT be released to the public ... saying they were not only obtained illegally -- but they'd do "irreparable harm" if they got out.

The judge is currently hearing arguments from both sides.

Originally Published -- 8:54 AM PT

Nipsey Hussle People Profiting Off Memorial ... Selling Free Programs for Big Money

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8:55 AM PT -- EBay is cracking down. A spokesperson tells TMZ, "These booklets are prohibited under eBay's policies. Any items that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering are not allowed to be sold on eBay."

Sources at eBay assure us that all the programs will be removed and they will educate the sellers who have listed them.

Some of Nipsey Hussle's fans who packed into Staples Center at his celebration of life -- are turning a quick profit off the service by hawking their FREE programs for HUNDREDS of dollars.

Tons of programs from Nipsey's memorial started flooding eBay hours after the service ended, and we've seen some sellers asking for more than $1,000.

One auction ending Friday morning closed at $500 for the piece of history.

Remember, tickets to the Celebration of Life were distributed at no cost, and the booklets passed out at the service were also free -- because Nipsey's family wanted it that way -- so these sellers are turning huge profits off the slain Crenshaw rapper.

It's at least the second time we've seen folks try to use Nipsey's memorial to cash in ... scalpers tried to sell the free tickets for astronomical prices before getting shut down.

Nipsey was remembered as a great man, talented rapper and savvy businessman during his memorial -- so, you could argue he'd see the unabashed profiteering as a smart move.

On the other hand ... his estate and family absorbed all the cost of that amazing memorial service for his fans. So, maybe it's just a bad look.

The capitalism continues.

Originally Published -- 8:39 AM PT

Nipsey Hussle Marathon Merch Selling Out Fast!!! Thanks to Famous Friends

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Meek Mill and The Game are just a few of the celebs who went on a MASSIVE shopping spree at Nipsey Hussle's Marathon store ... just their small way to help out the fam.

We're told in the last few days, and in the lead up to the late rapper's celebration of life at Staples Center ... items have been flying off the shelves after Meek, Game and others made it their mission to stop by the famous store on Slauson Ave. to drop tons of cash.

T.I., 2 Chainz and NBA stars, J.R. Smith, DeMar DeRozan and Al Harrington are just some of the other celebs who did their part. We're told they refused to accept any free items and would only pay for the items they selected.

You can see in the video posted on Instagram by Meek ... the store's been nearly wiped out. That particular corner's been incredibly busy as of late. Hundreds of fans have stopped by leaving candles, flowers and notes for the legendary rapper who was tragically murdered earlier this month.

Tens of thousands of fans mourned the rapper one last time at his celebration of life ... with a procession that marched right by The Marathon Clothing store.

Wendy Williams I Need A Fresh Start ... Looking For New Digs After Filing For Divorce

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Wendy Williams is making some major changes in her life ... she's searching for a new place to live after filing for divorce from her husband.

Sources close to the talk show host tell TMZ ... Wendy is scouring Manhattan looking for a new place to call home. We're told she wants to get a fresh start after calling it quits on her marriage, and her new digs will help her realize the divorce is real.

As we reported ... Wendy served hubby Kevin Hunter with divorce papers on set Thursday, finally throwing in the towel amid tons of cheating rumors and Kevin's alleged mistress having a baby.

For years, Wendy and Kevin shared a home in New Jersey ... but now, we're told she understands the best thing for her is starting over with some new surroundings ... in a new city.

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HERE'S HOW I'M DOIN'

Wendy's been staying in a sober house in the Tri-State Area -- of NY, NJ & CT -- where she's getting round-the-clock care for addiction issues ... and when she finishes with her stint there, we're told she plans to move into her new place.

Jay Cutler SUCKS HARD!!! ... Says Wife

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Well, it's confirmed -- Jay Cutler sucks.

... this according to his wife Kristin Cavallari who says the ex-NFL quarterback helped to unclog her milk ducts by "sucking harder than he’s ever sucked."

K-Cav made the statement on camera for an upcoming episode of "Very Cavallari" -- when she was telling a dinner table full of friends how she solved a major breastfeeding issue.

"Major clogged ducts. Jay had to get them out for me, sucking harder than he’s ever sucked ... and you know what? Saved my life."

Jay just cracked a smile and threw up his hands as if to say, "Yeah, so what?!"

Cavallari has really introduced the public to a side of Jay nobody really knew during his 12 seasons in the NFL -- when he had a reputation for being boring, introverted and the opposite of fun.

Now, he's posing naked on the beach, blossoming into a legit reality star ... and unclogging milk ducts with his face.

CUTLER!!!

John F. Kennedy's Autograph Signed 2 Hours Before Assassination ... Hits Auction Block

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John F. Kennedy's last-known autograph -- signed hours before he was assassinated -- is going up for auction ... and it can be yours for a small fortune.

The folks over at Goldin Auctions are handling the incredibly rare and historical item ... JFK's John Hancock on a small, spiral bound notepad the president hastily signed before boarding Air Force One on the fateful morning of November 22, 1963.

You'll recall, the President was in Fort Worth giving a speech before he headed to Carswell Air Force Base ... where Air Force One was waiting to take him to Dallas. According to Goldin Auction, JFK took a pen outta his jacket and signed the notepad thrust towards him before a final wave goodbye.

You can see from this footage on YouTube, JFK does exactly that. It's quick, so pay close attention.

As you know ... JFK was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas as the President and First Lady were riding in the presidential limousine.

Check out the pics of the notepad ... you can see JFK's signature written in a red ballpoint pen with some light smudging below. It also features the owner's notes in pencil on the historical significance of the signature ... who claims it was signed around 10:25 AM -- 2 hours before Kennedy was fatally shot.

The auction begins Friday and ends May 11. The opening bid starts at $25k. Goldin expects the high bid to be at least $100k, and maybe more.

HQ Trivia Host Scott Rogowsky Leaving Game Show In The Dust ... After Negotiations Unravel

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HQ Trivia host Scott Rogowsky is leaving the company for his new gig as a baseball host ... because HQ wouldn't play ball and give him the green light to work 2 jobs.

For weeks, people have been wondering why Scott hasn't been popping up on their smartphones to host the daily trivia show ... and we've learned it's because the "Quiz Daddy" left HQ in the dust after striking out in his quest to add a new nightly MLB show and keep his HQ gig.

Scott's last appearance on HQ Trivia was March 24 ... right before he announced he was accepting a second hosting gig with DAZN's new show called, "ChangeUp."

Sources at HQ Trivia tell us, Scott was trying to work out an arrangement to stay on as the weekend host for HQ, but CEO Rus Yusupov wouldn't budge.

For his part, Scott tells us there is anything but hard feelings. He tells TMZ, "Nothing in my decade-plus entertainment career has meant more to me personally and professionally than my involvement with HQ." He couldn't be more grateful for all the people who grew the co., and for the "HQties" who kept it thriving.

He states, "While the decision to leave HQ was a difficult one, I am delighted to begin this next chapter in my career with the amazing people at MLB and DAZN. If you miss me on HQ, you can now get three hours of me every weeknight watching ChangeUp on DAZN."

Batter up!!!

Daymond John Olivia Jade's Biz Can Survive College Bribery Scandal If ...

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PEOPLE HAVE DONE WORSE

Daymond John's dishing some business advice for Lori Loughlin's daughter in wake of the biggest college admissions scam in U.S. history ... OWN IT, BABY!!!

We got the "Shark Tank" star out in NYC and asked the fashion mogul if he had any advice for Olivia Jade ... Lori's daughter who got swallowed up in her mom and dad's federal grand jury indictment, which accused the couple of paying $500k in bribes to get Olivia and her sister into USC.

The fallout was immediate ... Olivia withdrew from USC and also lost a gig with Sephora. But, check out the clip ... Daymond strongly believes if Olivia doesn't try to hide she can definitely bounce back.

Worth noting ... it's unclear if Olivia was in on the scheme. Either way ... it's clear Daymond thinks carving out a future rests on her hands. As for any advice for Lori and her hubby, Mossimo Giannulli ... seems that's a laughing matter.

Boxer Claressa Shields I Want Beyonce At My Fight ... Watch Me Whoop Ass!!!

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I'M ABOUT TO PROVE MYSELF

Hey Beyonce, got any plans this weekend??? Here's the self-proclaimed greatest female fighter on the planet giving you a personal invite to her big boxing match on Saturday!!!

TMZ Sports spoke with undefeated boxing star Claressa Shields leading up to her IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO middleweight unification bout with 24-0 Christina Hammer ... and she says she's out to prove she's the G.O.A.T.

"I consider myself the greatest woman of all the time," Shields (8-0, 2 KO) says. "Any woman who has laced up a pair of gloves can't beat me. If they want me to prove it, I've proven it."

Now ... clearly, Shields doesn't need any more motivation ... but we had to ask who she'd want in her corner showin' support at the Boardwalk Hall in Jersey this weekend -- and she's aiming for Queen Bey.

"I'd be so stoked if Beyonce was in the crowd and just to have her come and talk to me ... I'd be freaking out."

Shields says she's also gotten a lot of support from guys like Deontay Wilder, Jon Jones and Errol Spence ... so adding Beyonce to that list would be the cherry on top.

Principal Onyx Blackman on 'Strangers With Candy' 'Memba Him?!

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Greg Hollimon is best-known for playing the Flatpoint High School leader Principal Onyx Blackman -- opposite Amy Sedaris as Jerri the freshman flunky -- in the hilarious television series "Strangers With Candy." Guess what she looks like now!

TMZ Live Nipsey Hussle's Memorial Brings L.A. Together

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HERE'S THE RUNDOWN
  • Pam Anderson Sounds Off on Julian Assange's Arrest
  • Justin Bieber's Return to Music
  • Ray J: My Missing Dog was Kidnapped
  • Oprah Has a Billion Reasons Why She's Working With Apple

Nipsey Hussle Celebrating His Life Memorial & Procession

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5:40 PM PT -- The procession is finally approaching Marathon Clothing -- at the intersection of Slauson and Crenshaw -- and the crowd is THICK. Thousands of fans are lining the streets leading up to the store ... where even more people have gathered.

Several Nation of Islam security guards are surrounding the hearse as it slowly rolls through the crowds. The Eritrean flag is draped on the roof, repping for Nip's heritage -- his father emigrated from the east African nation.

2:10 PM PT -- The memorial just wrapped after some rousing tributes from Snoop Dogg and YG ... followed by Stevie Wonder -- who performed "Rocket Love" and "Tears in Heaven."

The funeral procession is about to begin ... with the route looping through South L.A., and ending at the Angelus Funeral Home.

12:45 PM PT -- Lauren started her tribute to Nipsey by reading a text message she sent to him back in January, while she watched him sleep. In part, she said, "I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I'm around you. I feel safe around you. Protected. Like a shield over me when you're around."

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THE MARATHON CONTINUES

She ended the text with ... "My truth is this. I'm never going to give up on you. My love and devotion is to you."

Lauren also talked about how Nipsey cared for his children and made sure his family left home each day with the right energy. She said, "My pain is for my 2-year-old who probably won't remember how much his dad loved him."

She shared something Nipsey always said to her ... "You can't possess people, that you experience them. I'm so honored and blessed that I got to experience him."

Then she closed her tribute with an incredibly moving message for all of Los Angeles you MUST see -- and a personal note to her love ... "Until we meet again ... the Marathon continues!"

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Minutes after the funeral ended, Lauren showed off her new tattoo -- a tribute to Nip, with a caption, "Real Love Never Dies."

12:35 PM PT -- Nipsey's mom and dad just got onstage ... where his mom shared one of the final text message exchanges she had with her son. She also spoke of what a great man he was and how he was such a light in his community.

11:54 AM -- Lauren was onstage just moments ago with her and Nipsey's kids. Lauren's son, Kameron, shared a dream he had about Nipsey rising out of the ocean before leading the crowd to chant "respect." The family then gave way for Jhene Aiko to come onstage and sing.

11:07 AM PT -- The Celebration is now underway.

Nipsey Hussle's Celebration of Life is about to begin at Staples Center, and TMZ is live streaming what's expected to be a very emotional memorial service.

The slain Crenshaw rapper is being honored with a spectacular service in downtown L.A., where 21,000 people will turn out to pay their respects. So far Jay Z, Beyonce, G-Eazy, Big Sean, Big Boy, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and Meek Mill have arrived for the event.

The silver hearse carrying Nipsey's body arrived outside the arena early Thursday ahead of the ceremony.

As you know, the free tickets to his memorial were hard to come by this week, as they were gobbled up within minutes after they were made available to Cali residents. It's also a heavily guarded affair, with a mix of muscle from LAPD and Nation of Islam, as well as Staples Center personnel.