The moment many anticipated has arrived. The NBA has handed down penalties in response to the altercation that took place during Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Likely, you have already viewed the various clips circulating, from LeBron James’ elbow making contact with Stewart’s face to the Pistons’ player charging across the court in an attempt to reach the Lakers’ players, even disrupting security guards in the process.
Predictably, suspensions have been issued. On Tuesday, the league announced the sanctions. James received a one-game suspension for “recklessly hitting” Stewart, resulting in a salary loss of $284,000. Stewart, on the other hand, was suspended for two games for “aggressively pursuing” James during the altercation, amounting to a salary deduction of $45,000.
This marks LeBron’s first career suspension. He was given a flagrant 2 foul during the game for his actions and was subsequently ejected. Consequently, he will be absent for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
