Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been ejected from a game after delivering a brutal blow to the face of Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart .
James was instantly ejected after his left elbow and fist struck Stewart during a Pistons free throw in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game at at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Officials from the NBA will review the footage and James may be suspended for Tuesday’s match against the New York Knicks.
Following the match, the benches filled up onto the court and Stewart and James began a shouting and shoving match.
Stewart, furious and screaming obscenities at his coaches and teammates, was seen with blood running down his face and screaming obscenities. He was then ejected from the game after repeatedly charging at James.
After taking a heavy blow from LeBron, Isaiah Stewart was splattered with blood. It sparked a brawl on the benches.
LeBron James #6 (Los Angeles Lakers) is expelled from the game at Little Caesars Arena against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, March 3.
Following an elbow in the face during Sunday’s match, Isaiah Stewart #28, Detroit Pistons, is not flinching as he pursues LeBron Jones #6 of Los Angeles Lakers.
James and Stewart were separated several times as Stewart was ordered by the game announcer to keep fans in their seats, and not to try to get into the chaos.
The game’s footage captures James hitting Stewart across the face with his fist, left arm, and fist during their grapple for position in a free throw.
Stewart falls on his knees, clutching his forehead, as James looks at him, seemingly acknowledging that play has to be stopped, before turning towards Stewart and reaching for his hand in an apparent gesture to apologize.
James was furious and charged Stewart, while his teammates raced to separate the players.
Stewart, who had large quantities of blood around his right eyelid, fought alongside teammates and tried to get at James again.
Referees and coaches tried unsuccessfully to keep Stewart in check, but he was unable to stop himself.
Dwane Cayy, the Detroit Pistons’ head coach, and Cade Cunningham have to fight back Isaiah Stewart following his LeBron Jam-injury.
Referees and coaches tried unsuccessfully to keep Stewart in check, but he broke away and began to attack James.
James leaves the court following being kicked off for hitting Stewart.
Stewart finally nodded and seemed to accept to go to the locker, before turning his attention to walk towards the tunnel.
Stewart lied and ran at James again, charging at him as coaches, refs and players chased after him.
Stewart was eventually escorted off the court and sprint up the tunnel towards the locker room.
Referees ejected Stewart and James from the match.
Russell Westbrook, Lakers point guard was also issued a technical foul.
The Lakers won the game by 121 points to 116. Anthony Davis of the Lakers claimed that James didn’t intend to strike Stewart during a post-game conference.
“Stewart tried and defended LeBron. ‘Bron did exactly the same. All league members know that “Bron is not dirty and didn’t hit him.” He looked at Davis and said, “Oh my God, it wasn’t an attempt to do that.”
After the punch to the head, Davis attacked Stewart on the court for his antics.
He said, “I have never seen a player attempt to do this, even though I’ve been playing for 10 years.”
Davis said, “It was uncalled for. You got a cut over your eye. It wasn’t intentional.
Players divide LeBron James of Los Angeles Lakers, center for the Lakers, from Detroit Pistons’ center Isaiah Stewart, center right, in Sunday’s game
After Isaiah Stewart was struck, a ref and his coaches held Stewart back by the Detroit Pistons.
James will not address media members following his expulsion from the team, according to an official spokesperson.
Davis scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds. He also blocked two shots on Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham, who was 20 years old. Westbrook scored 26 points, had 10 assists and grabbed nine rebounds.
Detroit ended the third quarter with a strong finish and was leading 99-84 at the end of the fourth.
Davis and Westbrook each scored double figures in quarter four, leading to an impressive rally that allowed the Lakers to win to reach.500 for the season.
Detroit was left with 5.9 seconds to go and had the opportunity to tie it, but Hamidou Diallo returned the ball to Detroit. Davis then made free throws for the victory.
James was back on the court for his second match and had 10 points as well as five assists. Following eight missed games because of an abdominal strain, James played in Friday’s 130-108 defeat at Boston.
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