‘I Enjoyed Nothing More’: Former NBA Champion Loved the Banter Involving LeBron James and Fans

The pandemic had stripped the league of one of its attractions – the fans. And now, just as fans are coming back, the world has already seen LeBron James being dragged into a war of words with them. 

In the game between the Hawks and the Lakers, some hecklers decided to jeer at King James. The play took a small halt and officials eventually ejected the fans from the courtside. This incident eclipsed the Lakers’ victory and became the of the game.

Was it right to eject the fans?

Folks on social media seemed divided as some agreed with LeBron’s post-game interview while some called him ‘soft’. But even NBA experts thought the move was unnecessary. In an interview, former coach David Fizdale expressed, “Unless something crazy was said, this is a normal banter that goes on during the NBA game courtside. So the only reason it stands out is because it’s not a lot of people in the building.”

Those who have witnessed sporting events in person will know how there will always be fans who heckle the opponents. The officials can’t catch and eject every such fan because they build an atmosphere that even the players love.

Former champion Paul Pierce agreed with Fizdale and added, “I enjoyed nothing more than going on the road and having a great conversation with the fans, that’s something that got me going, I totally enjoy and am glad to see. LeBron had a great answer. It was some back-and-forth, they said their piece, but sometimes that gets players going as long as it’s done in the right way. LeBron is always interacting with fans.”

It’s all about getting that extra pump from the banter and using it in the game. A player would love to pull a W and respond to his haters with his game rather than see them ejected.

The fan who yelled at LeBron James later posted a lengthy message

The fan, later identified as Juliana Carlos, agreed that she was standing up for her husband. There was a war of words happening between a long-time LeBron critique and the King himself when Juliana lost her cool. She later put up an Instagram post and wrote, “Did I get defensive when that happened? Yes. Did I use offensive language when I could have taken the higher road? Yes. And for these things I take full responsibility.”

This issue is still alive and kicking as the trial on social media is continuously bringing new updates. Do you think the line was crossed in this case? 

Read also – WATCH: LeBron James Gets Into an Altercation With Courtside Heckler During Game Against Atlanta Hawks