LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers forward fined $15,000 for celebrating ‘obscene gesture’
“The problem occurred with 1:17 remaining in the fourth inning of the Lakers’ 124-116 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse,” the NBA statement said.
James enthusiastically performs the move after hitting a deep three-pointer as he mimics a celebration popularized by former NBA star Sam Cassell when he was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The NBA has consistently fined players $15,000 to $25,000 for performing the routine.
Last weekend, James was sent off the field after he confronted Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart. That commotion sparked a confrontational reaction from Stewart and a scuffle on the field.
Stewart was subsequently given a two-game ban by the NBA for “escalating” the situation and “repeatedly and aggressively” pursuing James, who received a one-game ban for the first time in his 19-year NBA career. because “reckless. hit straight in the face” mind Pistons.
After Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, James said that a one-game suspension was “some bully.”