Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Anthony Davis secured a double-double, with 27 points and 14 rebounds. LeBron James, despite scoring 16 points, stole the global spotlight with his extraordinary 360 layup during the game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Furthermore, while Dillon Brooks’ antics against James failed to make headlines, a potentially new feud brewed within the Crypto.com Arena. During the game, James and the Rockets’ coach, Ime Udoka, found themselves entangled in a heated exchange.

As the two exchanged words, Referee J.T. Orr, nearby, overheard their conversation. Bringing the confrontation to a close, J.T. Orr handed both James and Udoka technical fouls. Given that it was Udoka’s second of the game, he was promptly ejected from the contest. Since then, the incident has birthed several narratives, creating a buzz that extends beyond the court.

Tari Eason’s mom joins the spectrum

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Even in the entertaining world of the NBA, it is rare for players and opposing coaches to engage in heated exchanges, let alone resulting in the coach being shown the exit door. Therefore, a fan suggested that LeBron James should have been ejected for taunting a coach. However, Tari Eason’s mom swiftly dismissed the appeal. Holding the competitive nature of the sport high, she firmly stood behind LeBron James.

While showing unwavering support for Udoka, she drew the line at the suggestion that Ime should coach the Lakers when an X user proposed the idea. In response, Teroya exclaimed, “Over my dead body.” In the previous exchange, she also supported Udoka in reclaiming his respect by forging redemption against James.

Since the clip of the confrontation between James and Udoka surfaced, it has generated numerous headlines. The Lakers and the Rockets will now face each other again on January 30, 2024, in Houston.

Read More – Nick Kyrgios, Vinicius Jr and Other Celebrities React as LeBron James Flexes Circus Shot Over Ime Udoka’s Rockets

What did Ime Udoka and James say to each other?

Numerous speculations have arisen regarding the exchange between LeBron James and Udoka. Fans, along with lip-reading experts, have offered their takes on the matter.

From what it appears, Udoka’s, “Stop crying like b****es, man. Stop b******g,” prompted LeBron James to step in. James asserted, “We’re all grown men. Nah, that b**ch word ain’t cool. Don’t use it too loosely.” However, tensions escalated when Udoka stood by his comments, leading to both parties receiving technical fouls.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The catalyst for this verbal showdown was a collision between Cam Reddish and Tari Eason that set the stage for the heated exchange.

During the live telecast, the camera predominantly focused on Udoka’s face. However, a fan seated in the front row managed to capture James’ expressions during the verbal exchange, paving the way for potential insights into the specifics.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite the speculation, neither James nor Udoka has officially commented on the exact words exchanged during the incident. The mystery around the nature of their conversation remains while fans’ takes add intriguing layers to their clash.

Watch This Story – Will Bronny James’ Cardiac Arrest Incident Mar NBA Career? LeBron James’ Latest Update on 19YO Son Delivers Further Heartbreak