DETROIT — LeBron James was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday for striking Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart in the face while jostling for rebounding position.
The hit led to a stoppage in action while Stewart, with blood coming down his face, had to be held back multiple times by Detroit personnel as he tried to confront James. The incident occurred with 9:18 remaining in the third quarter and the Lakers trailing 79-67.
Stewart was initially whistled for a loose ball foul for the play. Following an official review, James was assessed a flagrant foul 2 and ejected, Stewart was assessed two technical fouls and ejected and Lakers guard Russell Westbrook was called for a technical foul.
It is just the second ejection of James’ 19-year career. The first incident came on Nov. 28, 2017, against the Miami Heat.
L.A. came into Sunday with a record of 8-9, including an 0-2 mark on its five-game road trip that continues Tuesday against the New York Knicks and Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.
Detroit came into the game 4-11.