LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma received warnings for violating the NBA anti-flop rule in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, the League announced.
The NBA said James’ violation occurred with 2 minutes and 33 seconds left in the second quarter, when James, between Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen of the Grizzlies, fell to the floor while competing for a recovery.
Kuzma forged with 6:31 left in the fourth quarter, according to the League. While defending Brooks, Kuzma tried to commit an offensive foul by turning and landing on the floor after Brooks dropped his shoulder and made contact with Kuzma’s hip.
The NBA has tried to clean up the game, monitoring the summary since the 2012-13 season. Upon receiving a warning, a player may be fined from $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 to $ 15,000 to $ 30,000 for each subsequent violation. If a player reaches six simulations in a season, the fine may be increased and the League has the right to issue a suspension.
Almost a decade after the introduction of the rule change, the anti-flop rule is rarely applied. James and Kuzma are just the sixth and seventh players to receive reservations with the League’s warnings this season, joining LaMelo Ball, DJ Augustin, Gary Trent Jr., Kristaps Porzingis and Mason Jones.
The last player to be fined by the NBA for failing was Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics during the 2020 playoffs.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps contributed to this report.