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Dikembe Mutombo's heartbroken over the loss of Matadi Sela Petit, but incredibly ... he's staying positive, and says the tragedy's only strengthened his focus on helping people.

The Basketball Hall of Famer tells TMZ ... he's been working with the 8-year-old boy's family to transport his body back to the Democratic Republic of Congo for a proper burial, which should happen soon. He says dealing with the loss is tough ... but everyone's hanging in there.

We broke the story ... Dikembe flew the child from Africa to the U.S. earlier this month in hopes of removing the large tumor from his face, so he could return to his home and live a normal, happy life.

Matadi and his family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in L.A. as they awaited his operation, led by Dr. Ryan Osborne from Cedars Sinai Medical Center ... who volunteered his services.

Sadly, Matadi suffered a rare genetic reaction to anesthesia during his surgery last week and went into cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of the medical staff ... he passed away Friday night.

Dikembe's remaining devoted despite the sad outcome, though -- reminding us things don't always turn out the way we want ... and are sometimes out of our control.

Mutombo also says there are no plans to change anything at his hospital in the Congo -- which has helped hundred of thousands of people -- and he vows to keep the good work up.

As we reported, Dikembe's foundation says Matadi "was a pioneer, and his memory will inspire us to continue to develop efforts and partnerships to improve the lives of the children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

He was 8.

Adrien Broner found himself mugging for the wrong camera this holiday season ... after getting arrested just days before Christmas.

The boxing star was busted Sunday in Broward County, Florida after a warrant for his arrest was issued for failure to appear in court earlier this month. He was booked in county jail and then released ... court records show.

The bench warrant stems from a case dating back to December 2017 ... after he was arrested for having no driver's license, speeding, no registration or proof of insurance. Since that arrest, he's failed to appear in court several times ... which led to a previous arrest in July for failure to appear.

Drake's son has some creative talent, and the proud papa wants the world to see.

Drake posted this pic of his son Adonis' handiwork ... an abstract in blue, green, yellow and red paint with some telltale handprints!!!

The one-year-old's papa captioned the pic, "Adonis > Picasso don't @ me."

Drake became a first-time dad last year, confirming during the Summer he had a son on his album, "Scorpion" ... although pretty much everyone knew by then anyway.

Hugh Jackman might not be ready to join the Harlem Globetrotters just yet, but his ball-handling skills aren't half bad ... and he's definitely got the charisma.

What else would you expect from the 'Greatest Showman?'

The 'Front Runner' star got an impromptu lesson from Globetrotters star Cheese Chisholm in the tunnel at Madison Square Garden Tuesday ... as the Knicks were prepping for their Christmas Day game against the Bucks.

Check it out ... Jackman's got some game, and totally nails the elbow pass spin move. Things get a little dicier when Cheese adds more steps though ... and he's got some work to do on spinning the ball on his finger.

BTW, the other 'Trotter in the vid is Hot Shot Swanson, the shortest Globetrotter in team history at only 4-foot-5.

The Harlem Globetrotters got a game Thursday at MSG, the first of 7 in NYC to close out 2018.

Corinne Olympios spent Xmas day enjoying the Miami Beach sun with her boyfriend.

The former "Bachelor" and "Bachelor in Paradise" contestant was hanging with Jon Yunger. She's been seeing him since May.

This pool encounter turned out a lot better than a previous outing last year, when Corinne accused DeMario Jackson of sexually assaulting her on the set of "Bachelor in Paradise." She claimed she was super drunk and did not give consent to the sexual contact. The allegation brought filming of "BIP" to a halt.

An investigation -- which included video of the encounter -- concluded Corrine was a willing participant and there was no sexual assault. Filming resumed, but Corrine and DeMario were no longer on the show.

Demi Lovato was in the holiday spirit on Xmas day, celebrating with friends and family.

Demi looked relaxed and content as she snuggled with her dog. Demi had a special ornament made with the face of her dog, Buddy, who was killed in 2015 by a coyote.

She scored a few cool gifts for Xmas, including some Hermes mugs.

Sofia Vergara doubts her ex truly lives in Louisiana -- where they're at war over 2 of their frozen embryos -- and now wants a court to force him to prove it.

The "Modern Family" star just filed a new motion in her never-ending legal fight with Nick Loeb, asking a judge to make him fork over documentation to confirm he's a real Pelican State resident, after allegedly refusing to cooperate with her lawyers' requests.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Sofia says Nick's claim that he's settled down in Plaquemines Parish, LA -- a pro-life state that recognizes embryos as human beings -- doesn't pass the smell test, because he hasn't ponied up convincing evidence to support it ... like grocery store receipts, or bank info from the area to show he's got a life there.

Sofia doesn't say it outright, but it's strongly implied she thinks he's full of it, and wants a judge to compel him to hand over paperwork to her legal team.

FWIW ... Nick's lawyers claim he rented a place in PP, LA and is registered to vote, but wouldn't tell us how often he stays at the property, if at all. He also set up a trust fund for the embryos, and has named them Emma and Isabella.

"Glee" actor Jesse Luken allegedly put his car through hell before getting busted for DUI.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Glendale cops got a call about a car crash. When they arrived on scene, they found Luken's Toyota up on the curb with the airbag deployed. There were no other cars involved. The right front tire was mangled.

We're told Luken -- who played the dirty blonde jock Bobby 'Boom Boom' Surette on the hit show and has tons of other TV credits to his name -- was in the driver's seat and reeked of booze. He took a field sobriety test ... which cops say he bombed.

Luken was arrested for DUI. He was booked and later released.

"Glee" cast members have had their share of problems. Mark Salling committed suicide while awaiting sentencing in his child porn case. Cory Monteith died of a drug overdose. Naya Rivera was busted for domestic violence.

We've reached out to Luken ... so far, no word back.

Rapper Juelz Santana hasn't started his prison sentence yet but he already knows what's waiting for him after he gets out ... several drug tests.

We got our hands on the terms of Santana's supervised release and he'll have to submit to a drug test within 15 days of tasting freedom ... according to the docs. He'll also have at least 2 more drug tests to complete ... the timing of those will be determined by his probation officer.

We broke the story ... the Dipset MC was sentenced to 27 months behind bars in his airport drug case. In addition to the testing, Juelz will have to enter a drug treatment program once he gets out.

Deontay Wilder may have created a big-time movie role for himself -- because Michael B. Jordan tells us he LIKES the boxer's idea of playing Clubber Lang's son in "Creed 3."

Remember, Wilder -- the heavyweight champion of the world -- recently told TMZ Sports he's gunning for a Hollywood career ... and suggested playing the offspring of Mr. T's famous character in "Rocky III."

Hey, Michael B. is already playing Apollo Creed's son ... and "Creed II" was all about Ivan Drago's son ... so why not let Clubber's kid get in on the action???

"It's a good idea! It's a cool idea," Jordan told us in L.A. ... while praising Deontay Wilder.

Michael B. told us the 'Creed 3' storyline is still up in the air -- so it seems like Wilder has a real shot. Plus, Michael pointed out how Sylvester Stallone and his crew have always loved using real boxers in the 'Rocky' movies.

The one big issue ... Michael pointed out Deontay (at 6'7") is way bigger than Clubber Lang ... since Mr. T is only 5'10".

K. Michelle says she's moving past her beef with Meek Mill and wants him to make the most of his newfound freedom ... but she's not singing the same sweet tune when it comes to Nicki Minaj.

The singer and 'Love & Hip Hop' star sat down with Raquel Harper for a recent episode of "Raq Rants" on BET, and Michelle says she forgives Meek for replacing her with Nicki on their hit song, "Buy A Heart," a decision she considered total betrayal.

Remember, K. Michelle says the song was intended for her ... before it landed on Nicki's record, featuring Meek -- back when they were still banging. KM's always blamed Nicki for shady music biz deals.

Michelle wishes Meek well and encourages him to keep making a positive impact in the community, warning him to stay outta trouble so he doesn't end up back in jail.

As for Nicki ... Michelle says they'll never be friends, because Nicki tried to snatch her Dreamchasers chain.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is laying down the gauntlet to Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, James Harden and all the other clotheshorses of the NBA ... saying it is he, NOT THEM, who is the best dressed.

Oubre was just featured on GQ.com for his fashion sense ... with the article praising him as being "on fire" this season and perhaps being king of the NBA closet.

We got him out in rainy D.C., and after asking how he felt about being traded from the Wizards to the Suns (it's just business to him), we had to ask straight-up who the best dressed in the league is.

"Kelly Oubre."

He's no doubt the hot hooper right now ... but the competition is FIERCE ... just last week, James Harden put it down in a Versace snakeskin short suit that had Twitter buzzing.

Just know Kelly, now that you've put it out there ... everyone is coming for YOU!

Grab your tissues ... this tearjerker's brought to you by Kansas City Royals prospect Brady Singer who surprised his parents with a VERY expensive gift that'll earn him an award for Son of the Year.

Singer posted this video on Christmas Day ... which begins with Singer's mom opening a red envelope. She starts reading Singer's heartfelt letter ... and if it doesn't give you all the feels, nothing else will. Singer's mom reads out loud: "I just wanna say thank you for everything you've done to help me reach my dreams ... Both of you constantly took off of work and spent every dime you made just to put a smile on my face."

Then ... her jaw drops. SINGER WIPED OUT THEIR ENTIRE DEBT!!!

Singer was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 18th overall pick earlier this summer. He's a right-handed pitcher with huge potential ... which explains why the Royals paid him $4.25 million to sign with them instead of returning to Florida.

Another sign the Royals wanted Singer badly? They paid him well above the slot value of an 18th overall pick. Yeah, he's that good. And, he's a byproduct of his parents' hard work and sacrifices ... which is why Singer wanted to SHOCK them with an incredible gesture.

Terrible news out of Florida after a police dog was shot and killed by a suspect ... and the K9 is being credited for saving the lives of officers.

The sad incident went down on Xmas Eve in Wellington, Florida ... where Palm Beach County Sheriffs confronted several individuals cops say were wanted on attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery warrants.

According to local reports ... one of the suspects ran and that's when Cigo -- a 3-year-old canine -- gave chase. But the suspect shot Cigo before a deputy returned fire ... hitting the suspect and severely injuring him. Cigo, however, would later be pronounced dead at an animal hospital.

Shortly after Cigo's death, several tributes were posted in honor of the fallen officer. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office tweeted, "He gave his life to save others. He's a good boy and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace #K9Cigo."

The Sheriff's Office also posted this heartbreaking video of Cigo's handler devastated from the loss.