The recent ejection of Jarred Vanderbilt during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Houston Rockets has sparked reactions from key figures in the Lakers’ camp, including head coach Darvin Ham and star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Competes at a high level but you know whether it is two shots or you know playing at risk of injury at certain plays. I just watched it again before I came in here, pushing him in the back, a guy that’s in the air, that’s airborne, defenseless.”
“Bron goes to the basket and it’s a double move with the arm, one arm you know try to deflect the ball and it goes back and goes across his face. You know maybe, Dillon Brooks shouldnt maybe in the game either.”
Darvin Ham on the Lakers defensive breakdowns, tomorrow's availability and Jarred Vanderbilt's ejection. pic.twitter.com/GtmstuYexI
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 30, 2024
Darvin Ham, the Lakers’ head coach, addressed Dillon Brooks’ competitive nature, acknowledging him as one of the most competitive players in the league. However, Ham expressed concern about Brooks’ actions, particularly a play where he pushed Vanderbilt in the back while the Lakers player was airborne and defenseless.
Ham questioned the level of risk involved in such plays and suggested that perhaps Brooks should also face consequences for his actions. Despite the challenges, Ham commended Vanderbilt for standing up for his teammates.
“We all know the type of player he is. He talks and says whatever he wants to ref, to players. At the end of the day we men. … Vando did what he had to do.”
Anthony Davis has had enough of Dillon Brooks: pic.twitter.com/ZrM5EsWKdr
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) January 30, 2024
Anthony Davis echoed Ham’s sentiments about Brooks, emphasizing the aggressive and talkative nature of the Houston Rockets player. Davis acknowledged that players are adults who can handle on-court banter but appreciated Vanderbilt’s response in standing up for himself and his teammates.
LeBron James, who credited Dillon Brooks’ competitive nature earlier in the year, did not care to speak about him tonight: “Next question” pic.twitter.com/AdpYqq8yox
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 30, 2024
LeBron James, when pressed about Dillon Brooks, chose a concise response, deflecting further questions with a simple “Next question.” While not elaborating on the situation, James’ curt reply suggested a desire to move past the incident without delving into additional commentary.
The ejection of Jarred Vanderbilt and the confrontations with Dillon Brooks brought attention to the physical and competitive nature of NBA games. And it showed the bad blood between Brooks and the Lakers, who have had a long history with him. The Lakers, led by their coach and star players, highlighted the importance of standing up for teammates while also emphasizing the need for fair and safe play on the court.
Dillon Brooks Smacked LeBron James In The Face
The Lakers, suffering a 119-135 defeat to the Rockets, witnessed a physical altercation between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks during a rebound battle. As both players descended from the jump, Brooks’s arm swung down on LeBron’s head, resulting in a dangerous hit that left James on the floor for several minutes. The incident raised concerns for Lakers fans, but fortunately, LeBron was able to continue playing.
Anthony Davis, addressing reporters after the game, expressed his discontent with the referees’ handling of the situation. He labeled the encounter between Brooks and LeBron as a “blatant hit” and believed that Brooks should have been ejected for his actions. Davis criticized the perceived unfairness of the officiating, adding to his frustration with the referees’ decisions during the game.
Despite Anthony Davis’s objections, there were no repercussions for Dillon Brooks, and the Rockets secured a convincing victory over the Lakers. The loss, coupled with the physical altercation, highlighted the challenges the Lakers are facing during a challenging season.
The Rockets, led by strong performances from Jalen Green and Alpren Sengun, maintained control throughout the game, with the lead extending to as much as 30 points in the third quarter. Despite a brief resurgence from the Lakers in the fourth quarter, the Rockets ultimately secured the win, prompting Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham to make strategic substitutions and concede defeat.
The incident further fueled the Lakers’ frustrations with their current season, as they now find themselves in the ninth spot in the Western Conference. With a road trip continuing against the Atlanta Hawks, the Lakers face an uphill battle to improve their standing before the trade deadline.
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