LeBron James eventful week as a Laker, fined 15k by NBA after receiving suspension for obscene gestures and the use of ‘profanity’
What an eventful week for not only LeBron but the L.A. Lakers. Initially James was suspended for 1 game following an altercation on the court involving Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart resulting in James being suspended. Now he has a fine of $15,000 from the NBA for using an obscene gesture during the Lakers win over the Pacers last Wednesday. The NBA also warned James about using profane language during media sessions. The profane language referred to is the word ‘bull-sh**’, which was a response from James towards his suspension.
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.
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. There was no fine for the obscenity, but the league obviously still wanted to send a message to its most prominent player.
