Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has had an eventful week. First, he was suspended for a game after an on court altercation with Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart. Now, he's been hit with a $15,000 fine from the NBA for making an obscene gesture during the Lakers win over the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday night. He was also warned about using profane language regarding his suspension during media availability.
Here's the official statement from the NBA:
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has been fined $15,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court and warned for using profane language during media availability in response to league imposed discipline, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. The incident occurred with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 124-116 overtime win against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 24 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The fine is the result of James pulling out a celebration commonly credited to Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sam Cassell after James hit a clutch three against Indiana. Here's a look at it:
LeBron hit the clutch 3 and did the Sam Cassell 😂 pic.twitter.com/Dvz5ndUMp6
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 25, 2021
The fine doesn't come as much of a surprise, as Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet was also hit with a $15,000 fine for the same celebration earlier this month. The additional warning from the league for profanity usage comes as a result of James referring to his one-game suspension as "bulls--t." There was no fine for the obscenity, but the league obviously still wanted to send a message to its most prominent player.
