After missing eight games with an adnominal injury, LeBron James was back with the Lakers this weekend. And just like that — the Lakers could be without him once again an extended time.
LeBron was ejected on Sunday during the Lakers’ game against the Pistons for a brutal flagrant 2 foul on Detroit forward Isaiah Stewart. LeBron struck Stewart in the face while boxing out during a free-throw attempt, and that contact quickly escalated the situation to a near brawl at Little Caesars Arena.
A bloody Stewart needed to be held back as he confronted LeBron, and he wouldn’t back down even as the two players were separated. He then chased after LeBron a second time as the Lakers star stood and watched the scene unfold.
LeBron and Isaiah Stewart get into it 😳
Wow. pic.twitter.com/VJFntCo6cY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2021
Here's the video of the foul
LeBron’s elbow to Isaiah Stewart.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 22, 2021
LeBron has been ejected after this flagrant 2 foul pic.twitter.com/CLbr3h6Zrz
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) November 22, 2021
The initial confusion over Stewart’s reaction was dispelled once the broadcast showed replay of the foul. LeBron seemingly made an intentional strike to Stewart’s face. It would have been one thing if Stewart was heated over inadvertent contact, but that really didn’t appear to be the case there.
LeBron practically punched him.
Lebron James is 100% responsible for the altercation in the Lakers vs Pistons game pic.twitter.com/V9NzC1MIdP
— HIsiah Thomas (@RedAlternates) November 22, 2021
Stewart was also ejected for the reaction, and we’ll have to see what the two teams say about the altercation after the game. The NBA office will certainly take a close look at it too.
It was a scary scene that easily could have been even worse.
