A fan video from the bleachers indicates that LeBron James shoved a fan in the chest after the supporter touched the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and approached the Lakers star during a timeout.
The video seemed to have been taken during Monday’s game at Crypto.com Arena versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. It has been posted on social media. James sat to the far right of the bench area, putting on his warm-up shirt while the venue’s loudspeakers played Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
The footage indicates that an irascible fan approached James from the player’s right side just as the buzzer went off, stood in front of him, and appeared to put a hand on each of James’ shoulders. The man makes a right-hand gesture and seems to be speaking to James.
The man was then given a forceful shove to the chest by James. A person who seemed to be from arena security rushed over to the fan, spoke a few words, and gave him a gentle prod in the direction of the exit. The individual seemed to be walking by himself in that way, disappearing from view while James was still in focus.
Brodie Enjoying courtside seats for the Lakers vs. Knicks game is the Goldendoodle.
James gestured for one of the security guards to go to the door as they gathered in front of him. Several security personnel made their way in that direction. The fan vanished from view when the camera turned to the exterior. It seems like someone is saying, “Oh my God, they just kicked him out,” from the stands.
According to the rules of conduct for Crypto.com Arena, that very well might have been the fate of that too-passionate fan.
It says, “Anyone found to be engaging in disruptive behavior (such as using profanity or making lewd gestures), fighting, hurling objects, or trying to enter the court or stage will be promptly removed from the premises without any kind of compensation or refund.”
What disciplinary actions, if any, would be meted out to someone who contacts a player is unknown. Furthermore, it’s questionable how a fan of James’ caliber could have gotten close enough to accomplish so. The Lakers and Crypto.com Arena did not reply to messages from The Times right away.