Very few players in the world have as much fame and fortune as LeBron James.
As the NBA’s shining star, and their most recognizable face, it’s very rare that he finds himself in hot water with the league.
Unfortunately, the 4x MVP is finding himself in that situation now, having to answer for his role in what was nearly a modern-day repeat of the “Malice at the Palace” incident from years ago.
James got kicked from the game for his involvement in a rather brutal and intense altercation during the game.
It happened late in the third quarter after James elbowed Pistons player Isaiah Stewart in the face.
LeBron and Isaiah Stewart get into it 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2021
Unlike with many situations like this, there is no question that LeBron James started it. It was his elbow flying into Isaiah Stewart’s face that sparked the whole altercation.
The question is, was it just an inadvertent swipe, or (as many fans are calling it) a blatant cheap shot caught on camera? On Twitter, many came to the conclusion themselves, finding “King” James guilty
Threw a cheap shot at Beef Stew, what did he expect? pic.twitter.com/ldqRVXLjcI
— Mr. Prince (@SanjiSomething) November 22, 2021
Are we all really gonna act blind and not see Stewart literally holding his hand, Bron just tried to get away, yeah if was too forceful, but the intention wasn't to hit. Its wasn't a Morris like move
— N.S. (@BotDontknow) November 22, 2021
Shit was dirty asf from Lebron
— Ray 🇲🇽 (@KroosGoat) November 22, 2021
I thought lebron was soft… now he is dirty? Hahahahaha
— Maelo (@jsk809) November 22, 2021
This was dirty as hell man…
— Green ⭐️💚Cali💚⭐️ (@greenhellfran) November 22, 2021
https://twitter.com/MiguelJ08973907/status/1462586980861153280
Dirty as hell al because he was getting box out. Then gonna hide behind the ref and some teammates. Lepussy 🤣
— fourleaftayback (@JasonBo60081765) November 22, 2021
not to be a bronsexual but pretty sure they locked arms, and he pulled away. Most likely it’s an accident but idk
— ? (@Juruto2) November 22, 2021
As a baller, you don't intentionally swing your elbow at someone's face and think you can get away with it, you're gonna get dropped.
— Mo (@Hamoudy92) November 22, 2021
https://twitter.com/hollywoodtoni0/status/1462593432472461315
This is just one of a number of intense altercations this season alone, with the most recent (and extreme) coming earlier this month when Nikola Jokic shoved Markieff Morris to the floor.
During the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat, Nikola Jokic got ejected for shoving Markieff Morris, after the two traded fouls earlier. There’s no doubt that the ejection was justified based on the footage, and it’s clear that Nikola Jokic’s frustration simply boiled over the top.
For LeBron, though, this type of thing isn’t what we’re used to seeing from him. As someone who does a good job avoiding controversies, it’s not often that he gets tangled up in stuff like this.
Nevertheless, these things happen and James may have to answer for his questionable play (dirty or not) with a suspension from the league.
As for Stewart, well, he’ll get his chance for revenge next week, when the Pistons face the Lakers again in Staples Center.
