Tonight, in the LA Lakers’ 107-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James had an altercation with a pair of fans who were in preferential places on the State Farm Arena. In the last quarter of the game, there was an exchange of words involving the Lakers star and a fan who even took off his mask while screaming. The incident did not go unnoticed by officials, who stopped the match at that moment.
“At the end of the day, I’m glad some fans came back to the arena, we missed that interaction, we needed that interaction, we, as players, need it,” LeBron said of the post-match incident. “There was an exchange of words between two adult men, each saying what they had to say and then another person came in and she said her part.”
LeBron James enters it with a fan, this is it after he was kicked out of the Lakers Hawks game pic.twitter.com/NIdazlT6vY
– Clarence Burns (@ Burnsclarence11) February 2, 2021
The State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, allowed fans to re-enter last week with a 10% capacity. The team issued a series of rules for reopening the property, including, of course, the use of guards at any time. This rule was violated by this group of people who took off their masks to shout at LeBron, in addition to the agitation that led to security to remove them. According to the official Hawks report, four fans were expelled from the game, including Juliana and Chris Carlos, who exchanged words with LeBron.
“I do not think they should be fired. Maybe they drank alcohol and hung up when it was no longer about gambling, so the officers did what they had to do. I don’t think removing the mouthpiece would hurt, maybe the closest ones. I was not that close and neither were my companions. I hope everyone is fine, safety first, “James added.
“It simply came to our notice then that there was an altercation on the ground that seemed bigger than it was. I certainly believe that alcohol was involved on their part, which made them braver than I am, ”he said.
The NBA has been very strict in complying with all security protocols during the pandemic, millions of dollars have been spent on tests and measures for the game to develop, and despite this, 23 games have already had to be postponed. it happens in season.
Understanding the economic ravages and the need for the business to be slowly revived, some cities have reduced restrictions, as in the case of Atlanta. However, the question remains as to how necessary it is to sell seats on the field and to have fans so close to the field and the players.
“You can’t have fans take off their masks and yell at players, I don’t know exactly what happened, but I’m sure the league will analyze,” coach Frank Vogel said a little more worried.
LeBron thrives on the support or even the animosity of the rival audience when he is visiting. The Lakers were in the last game of a long series of seven games. Already in one of the games in that series, when they faced their former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, an event took place in which a Cavs executive celebrated when LeBron failed. This did not go unnoticed by the superstar who became even more motivated and finished the game with a performance of 46 points.
“I love my fans, the Lakers and everyone who is against the Lakers. Having fans in the stands is better, it feels better for everyone, especially on the last day of a 14-day trip “, concluded LeBron, who contributed 21 points to the victory in Los Angeles.