DETROIT — LeBron James was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 121-116 win over the Pistons on Sunday for striking Detroit big man Isaiah Stewart in the face while jostling for rebounding position.
The hit led to a stoppage in action while Stewart, with blood coming down his face, had to be held back multiple times by Detroit personnel as he tried to confront James. The incident occurred with 9:18 remaining in the third quarter and the Lakers trailing 79-67.
Stewart was initially whistled for a loose ball foul on the play. Following an official review, James was assessed a flagrant foul 2 and ejected, Stewart was assessed two technical fouls and ejected and Lakers guard Russell Westbrook was called for a technical foul.
It marked just the second ejection of James’ 19-year career. The first came on Nov. 28, 2017, against the Miami Heat.
L.A. entered the fourth quarter down by 15 points but mounted a comeback to improve to 9-9 on the season. Their five-game road trip continues with games Tuesday against the New York Knicks and Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.
Detroit fell to 4-12 with the loss.
Source : ESPN
