Jan 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts to a foul call during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James was called for a flagrant foul when Joel Embiid tried to posterize him.
Two of the NBA’s best teams are in action Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers are in town to take on the Philadelphia 76ers. That means Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are looking to prove a point against the defending champions.
Embiid decided to go big and try to put James on a poster. The result was a flagrant foul that saw Embiid take a hard fall.
James picks up the flagrant foul
This foul did not look egregious in nature. However, a shove from James is going to have an impact on anyone, even a big man like Embiid. The big man stayed in the game and proceeded to make both free throws following his fall.
James rarely picks up these fouls and Embiid landing so hard likely helped the refs make their decision. Lakers fans will be fine with the physicality as the team looks to improve to 11-0 on the road this season.
The fact Embiid was able to get up without any serious injury makes this play one that can be chalked up to the intensity of the matchup. There is no need to talk about it being dirty and the battle can rage on in what could be a potential Finals preview.