The NBA has fined LeBron James for using an obscene gesture during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 124-116 overtime win against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 24.
James had just made a go-ahead three pointer in overtime against the Pacers when, on his way back down the court, he celebrated the clutch shot with what is often referred to as the “Sam Cassell celebration,” a nod to the player whose in-game use of the gesture became part of NBA lore.
For doing so, James was fined $15,000.
LEBRON FOR THREE!
Wait for the celebration pic.twitter.com/AuHsmJxbPt
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) November 25, 2021
The league is remaining consistent with its punishment for this particular celebration. Earlier in November, Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet was also fined $15,000 for celebrating in a similar fashion.
Ball Game. Raps Win! pic.twitter.com/VyxV68fnJU
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 12, 2021
It’s been an eventful few days for the 36-year-old Lakers star, who had just returned from a suspension stemming from his scuffle with the Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart on Nov. 21.
On that same night of the celebration he was fined for, James had an altercation with some fans that ended in their ejections. During his post-game media availability, he had some choice words for the NBA regarding their decision to suspend him for the first time in his career.
The NBA, when doling out the fine for the gesture, issued a formal warning to the superstar regarding the use of “profane language during media availability” as well.
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