LeBron James committed a dirty play Sunday.
It is as simple as that.
He swung a fist right into the face of Isaiah Stewart and left the Detroit Pistons player bloodied.
James’ Los Angeles Lakers teammates then had to avoid a fight with Stewart, who was enraged and ready to fight.
James was ultimately ejected and NBA fans were eagerly waiting to see if punishment would be handed out.
It was Monday, in the favor of the NBA legend.
LeBron James has been suspended one game and Isaiah Stewart receives two-game suspension for roles in altercation during Lakers-Pistons.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 22, 2021
In all seriousness, Stewart probably did deserve a longer suspension because he made multiple attempts to go after James and his Lakers teammates.
He had his reasons, but we all know the NBA is not going to tolerate fighting in any capacity.
Thus, James only misses one game at a time when his team may finally be back on the right track.
ISAIAH STEWART HAS BROKEN FREE INTO THE TUNNELS pic.twitter.com/GQzHcIdIQR
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 22, 2021
A Weird Sort Of Motivation
The Lakers were in serious trouble Sunday night.
They were trailing the lowly Pistons when James got ejected and a loss could have really sent them spiraling.
Instead, the Lakers fought back and took home a 121-116 victory to improve to 9-9 on the season.
James now essentially gets another day of rest Tuesday, much to the chagrin of New York Knicks fans who have already paid good money to see him play.
However, that rest will cost him nearly $300,000 in salary.
Somehow, someway, the Lakers found motivation from this.
But at the same time, they should easily beat the rebuilding Pistons.
Yet if that is what it takes, more power to them.
The 9-9 Lakers now have a chance Tuesday night to rally around each other and try to beat the Knicks without James on the floor.
As for the Pistons and Stewart, they are still likely feeling wronged about the entire situation.
NEXT: 2 Lakers Bench Players Who Must Step Up
