NBA legend LeBron James has copped just the second ejection of his career, after an unsavoury incident sparked a wild brawl against the Detroit Pistons.
James hit Piston Isaiah Stewart with a fist to the head, as the pair jostled during a free throw at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
When Stewart got up to remonstrate with the NBA great, things quickly escalated.
James’ whack has been described as ‘the ultimate cheap shot’, with NBA fans savaging the King for the act.
Left bleeding profusely from the contact, Stewart was having none of James’ attempt to apologise shortly afterwards, repeatedly looking to retaliate as stewards and Pistons staff struggled to restrain him.
Following a review, James was dealt a flagrant foul 2 and sent from the court, while Stewart joined James after being hit with two technical fouls.
Things continued to boil over, though, with Stewart breaking free from a group of minders in the tunnel.
“I think he’s a little upset,” said the commentators of Stewart’s reaction. “They’re having a lot of trouble just trying to settle him down.”
It’s just the second ejection of James’ legendary career. The first came in the 2017-18 season, when he threw an air punch and abused referee Kane Fitzgerald after being hit with a technical foul for arguing against a missed call.
James has already been slammed for the moment, with controversial American sports reporter Skip Bayless tweeting that the incident “will not help LeBron James’ reputation or legacy”.
Trailing 66-78 at the time of the ejections, the Lakers would rally despite losing the champion, going on to win 121-116 and break a three-match losing streak.
Adam
Roar Guru
It's all a big pantomime. It reminds of benches clearing in baseball, 99% of the time it's just posturing - particularly the bullpen running in from the outfield
Adam
Roar Guru
Their fans might actually be more parochial than NRL fans too! Absolutely losing their minds
astro
Roar Rookie
American sports commentators are paid to turn everything a 'hot take'...Its the worst part of following American sports. This is just another classic example. Lebron plays 19yrs in the NBA, barely puts a foot wrong on the court, throws one elbow in frustration and its "the ultimate cheap shot", and the sky is falling.
Pete
Guest
Funny how all these NBA players seem to wait until everyones holding them back before trying to go after someone. Stewart was face to face with Lebron and didn't do a thing until there were multiple people between them. Similar thing happened with Butler and the Heat with the Jokic and Morris issue a few weeks back.
Adam
Roar Guru
Thought our commentators love a bit of hyperbole.