LeBron James had another meltdown during Game 4 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. Saturday’s game, pivotal for the Lakers as they struggle to stay in the playoffs, was marred by a dispute between James and Lakers’ head coach Darvin Ham.
Late in the fourth quarter with the Lakers leading by 15 points, LeBron made a defensive play knocking the ball out of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s hands, which then flew out of bounds. The referee ruled that the Lakers would lose possession, a call James vehemently disagreed with. Expecting his coach to challenge the referee’s decision, James was visibly upset when Ham decided against it. LeBron then jumped up, shouted, and was visibly irate over the non-call.
ESPN’s Dave Pasch noted that the distraction from the play allowed the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray to score easily after LeBron’s outburst. “He [LeBron] compounded the problem by not paying attention, and then Denver got the easy basket.” After the game, LeBron, trying to refocus, reflected on the importance of the upcoming games. “We gave ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us,” he said. Despite the heated moment, James led his team to a 119-108 victory, extending their playoff hopes, at least temporarily.
WATCH:
LeBron LOST IT on Darvin Ham when he didn’t challenge this call 👀 pic.twitter.com/LLLgu5toN8
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 28, 2024
Throughout his tenure, Darvin Ham has been criticized for his slow adjustments and decision-making. Anthony Davis, another star of the team, had previously expressed his frustrations, and with LeBron’s latest outburst, the pressure on Ham has only intensified. Now the Denver Nuggets are on the verge of advancing in the Western Conference playoffs, leading the series against the Los Angeles Lakers 3-1. They have the opportunity to seal the series in Game 5 tonight.
The reigning champs aim to clinch the series by building on their strong performance so far this season.
REACTIONS:
Darvin Ham cooked after this season 😂 Bron fed up lol
— Mell Biv DeVoe (@MelGoCrazy1) April 28, 2024
His tantrums are hilarious
— 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖞𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖆𝖓𝕏𝕏 (@Fleetingxx) April 28, 2024
LeBron has been coddled to much and obviously never taught to respect.
— FiftyStars&Stripes (@MastersonFlex) April 28, 2024
That locker room tonight is gonna be awkward win or lose😭
— 💄Kiki💎 (@PunksWorldd) April 28, 2024
— 𝖥𝖮𝖮𝖫𝖨𝖲𝖧 (@FOOLISHcapital) April 28, 2024