Carlos Osorio / Associated Press
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James remained diplomatic when discussing the expulsion of several fans in Monday’s 107-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena.
The referees stopped the game in the fourth period, when James exchanged ideas with the fans on the court chairs. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, four fans were escorted out of the arena.
James told reporters after the game that he “missed that interaction” with a live audience and that he “[didn’t] I feel like I should be expelled. “
Anthony Davis was more blind: “It was a crazy little thing, but it just happens.”
James finally laughed at the situation:
Starting on January 26, the Hawks started to allow up to 1,700 fans will start watching the games by February 24th.
Current circumstances make this a particularly bad time to get in touch with famous athletes while sitting a few feet away from the action. The relatively small number of people inside the building makes it easier to identify the parties, and Lakers coach Frank Vogel explained as there is a level of risk in fans removing their masks to shout at the players.
Willian Rondo, brother of the then Lakers’ owner, Rajon Rondo, was escorted from a semifinal showdown between LA and the Houston Rockets at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
If nothing else, the story showed the madness of antagonizing James during a game.
There was a time in 2008 when LeBron ran against the Toronto Raptors, partially stimulated by Chris Bosh’s girlfriend at the time, Allison Mathis. Last week, the four-time MVP objected to hearing a Cleveland Cavaliers board member revel in him losing a three-point ball.
A three-point shot by Trae Young brought the Hawks to a point in the Lakers with 1:40 on the clock. James responded with five quick points to eliminate any doubts about the result.
Monday’s game is likely to be the Lakers’ only trip to Atlanta this season. When Los Angeles returns next year, Hawks fans should avoid getting involved with James.