The last seven days have been very strange in the life of LeBron James, a guy who prides himself in representing the NBA and keeping the culture civilized as its most polarizing superstar.
James has done an outstanding job of keeping it corporate, especially when it comes to fan interaction.
But this is probably a week James would like to forget considering all that’s taken place.
On Friday, James was fined $15,000 by the league for making an obscene gesture in a game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
After hitting a 3-pointer to basically seal the win, Lebron did what is called the “Big Cajones” or big testicles celebration.
Lebron James got fined 15k for the Sam Cassell celebration 💀 pic.twitter.com/TZJnJ0Umoj
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) November 27, 2021
Week Began With Near Malice In The Palace 2
On Sunday during a game against the Detroit Pistons, James and Pistons center Isaiah Stewart got into a confrontation.
The incident took place with James and Stewart fighting for position on a rebound during a foul shot and James elbowing Stewart. The blow drew blood and sent Stewart into a heated frenzy.
Stewart had to be restrained from attacking James on court and reportedly even went looking for The King in the back of the arena after being ejected.
The league suspended both, James (one game) and Stewart (two games) for inciting the situation. James apologized but says he felt a suspension wasn’t warranted.
“I hate to see that, what escalated after that. I didn’t think it was warranted (a suspension). I thought it warranted an ejection because of what happened after that.
Having me, probably, still in the game and the excitement from the fans and what could possibly happen after that obviously.
But a suspension, I didn’t think it was warranted. But the league made that call, and we’re here today.”
The Lakers and Pistons had to be separated multiple times after this play between LeBron and Isaiah Stewart. pic.twitter.com/im0o7fXeoI
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 22, 2021
Upon Return From Suspension, James Has Fans Ejected In Naptown
As James returned to the court on Wednesday and put together his best outing of the season, two Pacers fans sitting cour side took heckling to a whole other level not needed in sports.
They reportedly told James they hoped his oldest son Bronny “dies in a car wreck.”
James, who was visibly upset about the situation, had the refs and security remove the fans.
“This one right BLEEPING here.” as he pointed out the two instigators.
LeBron got these Pacers fans kicked out. 😂
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 25, 2021
James explained why he was so irate at the situation saying, “When obscene gestures and language, come into it, it can’t be tolerated. There’s a difference in cheering for your team and not wanting the other team to win and things I would never say to a fan, and they shouldn’t say to me.”
Kings Beat Lakers In James First Ever Triple OT Game Of His Career
It’s no secret the Lakers have struggled to start the season. They fell below .500 (10-11) with Friday night’s loss. In the Lakers’ 11 losses the squad has held leads of at least 10 points seven times, placing them second behind the Cavaliers for the most in the league.
The 141-137 triple-overtime loss was the first extra session loss of the season.
There was plenty of blame to go around, but James put the onus on himself.
“I felt like I played a horrible game individually and I hold myself to a higher standard than that,” said James who went for 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, but also had seven turnovers and went 2-for-13 from 3-point range in 43 minutes. “I’ve got to do better for this team, especially when we’re going what we’re going through on the floor.”
Its been a rough couple of months for the world’s greatest basketball player and brand. If you’ve been following his career, Bron will probably figure out a way to get the Lakers back in the mix, reconnect with the fans and put this tumultuous period behind him.
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