Los Angeles - Lakers star LeBron James was slapped with a $15 000 fine for an "obscene gesture" and warned for swearing during a news conference by the NBA's disciplinary officials on Friday.
"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," said league spokesman Byron Spruell in a news release.
This is the second time this week that the league has disciplined James for an on-court incident.
James was hit with a one-game suspension for a bloody altercation with Detroit Pistons' Isaiah Stewart in a game last Sunday. It was the first suspension of James's career.
BETA @KingJames can’t handle NBA fans heckling him so he has them ejected from the arena
— Drew Hernandez (@DrewHLive) November 25, 2021
Lebron said, When obscene gestures and language come into it, can’t be tolerated
Yet he’s seen screaming, this one right F*CKING here!
Rules for THEE, not for ME
pic.twitter.com/Atn6aOK2Sr
The ban meant James missed the Lakers' 106-100 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
He returned Wednesday to face the Indianapolis Pacers and scored 39 points in a 124-116 overtime win. Late in the fourth quarter, James drew the ire of league officials for making an obscene gesture after sinking a three-point basket that extended the Lakers lead to six points.
39 points. Clutch shots. The Silencer.@KingJames with a night for the ages. pic.twitter.com/jcJrns2iRj
James slammed the one-game suspension after the Pacers game, describing the punishment to reporters as "some bull----."
The NBA issued a warning Friday to James against "using profane language during media availability."
James also had a pair of fans ejected from the Pacers game in overtime, after they heckled him from their courtside seats.
BETA @KingJames can’t handle NBA fans heckling him so he has them ejected from the arena
Lebron said, When obscene gestures and language come into it, can’t be tolerated
Yet he’s seen screaming, this one right F*CKING here!
Rules for THEE, not for ME
pic.twitter.com/Atn6aOK2Sr
In nine games this season, James is averaging 24.6 points, five rebounds and 4.6 assists.
AFP