NBA superstar LeBron James was ejected from a Los Angeles Lakers 121-116 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday (NZ time) for an errant swinging arm that drew significant blood from the face of Isaiah Stewart.
The incident took place with 9:18 remaining in the third quarter, with the Lakers trailing 78-66, as James swung his arm through and struck Pistons center Stewart in the eye area when battling for a rebound after a free throw.
Stewart, with blood streaming from his eye, had to be held back by multiple staff members as he attempted to confront James on several occasions.
Following an official review, James was assessed a 'Flagrant two penalty', resulting in his ejection for the second time in his 19-year career. His first ejection came in November 2017 against the Miami Heat.
Stewart was also ejected, while Lakers guard Russell Westbrook was handed a technical foul for his involvement in the scrap following the incident.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey says Stewart received eight stitches and hopes the center would be spared a possible suspension.
"He shouldn't be facing anything," Casey says. "Not getting off the court in time? The league will have to decide that.
"But the man got eight stitches, whatever it is, across his forehead. He was upset. Blood running down his face. I don't see any ramifications from the league from that standpoint."
Lakers forward Anthony Davis defended James, saying the collision wasn't intentional.
"Everyone in the league knows LeBron is not a dirty guy," Davis says, adding that James was attempting to apologise to Stewart immediately after the foul before things kicked off.
"We're not promoting violence. I'm not promoting violence."
After trailing in the third quarter, the Lakers bounced back in the fourth quarter to seal a win in Detroit and end their three-game losing streak.
James faces a stint on the sideline for the ejection, with a suspension between 1-8 games likely under the NBA's judicial process.
The 'King' has only just returned from an injury that cost him five games.
The Lakers won the spicy contest 121-116.
Reuters
