The altercation between LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart cause quite a stir in the Detroit Pistons home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a mix of emotions throughout the rest of the game but the Lakers overcame a 17-point deficit to win the game.
Although both players were ejected, many cannot help but wonder the cause of the altercation. What seemed like a routine box out ended up with Steward bleeding from the top of his right eye.
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
The referees called a loose ball foul on Stewart and called a flagrant penalty 2 on LeBron because of his hand movement, which caught Stewart on the face. Stewart was eventually tossed after receiving two technical fouls for his rection.
But slow-motion footage has shown that LeBron actually had Stewart in a ‘fish hook’ before things escalated. While it might have started as unintentional as he was battling for position following Grant’s free throw, he did swing his hand backward, perhaps out of frustration.
This incident started a wild scene in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/QErbBgE3dP
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) November 22, 2021
With nine minutes left on the clock in the third quarter, the Lakers had to carry on without LBJ. While their success has hugely been linked to LeBron considering their poor run without him, they successfully pulled off an inspiring 17-point comeback.
Anthony Davis had a monster fourth quarter, finishing the game with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony also had big games, with Anthony saying that was the activity they needed to spark their fire.
It is unclear if the NBA will be reviewing the footage and dish out further punishment for either of the players. Regardless, both players should be ready to go on November 29, when the Lakers host the Pistons at Staples Center.
LeBron’s ejection is only the second in his 19-year career, and he exited the game with 10 points and 5 assists. Stewart had 4 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, and 1 block before he was tossed.
