Two Los Angeles Lakers players, LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma, showed unsportsmanlike action when competing against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA competition last Friday (12/2/2021). In the match won by the LA Lakers with a score of 115-105, LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma flopped near the opposing players so that the referee give a foul.
James made the action in the second quarter of the match, when fighting for a rebound between two Grizzlies guards, Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks. Kuzma’s attempt to steal the referee’s attention was made in the fourth quarter while guarding Brooks. Kuzma plunged onto the pitch after Brooks moved toward him. It caused light physical contact for the referee to give the Grizzlies an offensive foul.
The NBA organizing authority issued a stern warning to the two players and warned of strict rules regarding flopping. Anti-flopping regulations or attempts to flop to get benefits in the form of violations began to be implemented in the 2012-2013 season.
The NBA first gives a penalty in the form of a warning if a player is deemed to have flopped in a match before imposing a fine. The range of fines imposed on players for violating this rule ranges from $ 5,000 to $ 30,000 depending on their flopping record during the season. In fact, if a player has been observed to make more than six flopping attempts, the NBA has the right to reward him with a ban.
Prior to warning James and Kuzma, the NBA had strongly rebuked five other players for similar stunts this season. The five players are LaMelo Ball (from Charlotte Hornets), DJ Augustin (Milwaukee Bucks), Gary Trent Jr (Portland Trail Blazers), Kristaps Porzingis (Dallas Mavericks), and Mason Jones (Houston Rockets).
In addtion, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was named TIME magazine’s 2020 best athlete. James’ involvement led the Lakers to become champions and won him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) that year.
This title is the fourth for LeBron James throughout his glorious career. LeBron James averaged 29.8 points, 8.5 assists and 11.8 rebounds in the 2020 NBA Finals. Field performance was not the only factor that made James voted the best athlete. TIME also highlighted James’ role in mobilizing black athletes and public figures to fight oppression against minority citizens who have the right to vote.
