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NBA suspends LeBron James for one game for striking Isaiah Stewart

by Sarakshi Rai - 11/22/21 6:59 PM ET

The NBA has suspended Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James for one game following an altercation with Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart during the two team’s games on Sunday, ESPN reports.

James has been handed a one-game suspension for striking Stewart, while Stewart received a two-game suspension for “escalating an on-court altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing” James.

The NBA said in a statement that the Lakers superstar “recklessly” hit Stewart in the face and initiated an “on-court altercation.”

The incident took place while both players were fighting for a position for a free throw in the third quarter, with James hitting Stewart in the face with his elbow as their arms intertwined. Things escalated when Stewart, with blood streaming down his face, tried to confront James on the court and had to be held back by officials.

“If you hit me, I’m gonna hit you back.”@IsiahThomas talks about last night’s altercation between LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart. pic.twitter.com/uTf5EAsZH0

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 22, 2021

The NBA did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.

This is James’s first suspension in his NBA career. He will miss the Lakers’ upcoming match on Tuesday against the New York Knicks; however, he will be back on the court when the Lakers face off against the Pistons again on Sunday, Nov. 28.

James will forfeit about $284,000 in salary, while Stewart will lose about $45,000, The Associated Press reported.

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