USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) as he drives to the basket against Chris Paul (3) and forward Jae Crowder (99) in the second half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) as he drives to the basket against Chris Paul (3) and forward Jae Crowder (99) in the second half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James was recently in the middle of controversy. In an effort to promote his tequila brand, James organized an event in Los Angeles. The event featured the who’s-who from the sports and entertainment world, and celebrities such as Drake and Michael B. Jordan were present at the event. However, there were no COVID-19 protocols in place, and James and his guests were seen not wearings masks.
Kwame Brown questions LeBron James
Despite this, the NBA didn’t levy any punishment on LeBron James, and one former player doesn’t believe that this is fair to other players in the league. Former first overall pick Kwame Brown slammed LeBron James for being ‘above the rules’, when last year, players like Lou Williams were suspended for similar reasons. While Brown showed his respect for James and his game, he doesn’t appreciate the fact that he got away with what appears to be a flouting of the rules.
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READ MORE: ‘No Way We’re Winning’: Lakers’ Anthony Davis Shows Disappointment After Loss Against the Suns
“LeBron, I like you, friend. I love your game. Respect the sh*t out of your game… But why do you get to go party, and Lou Williams got to go sit out and get suspended? And then the media, kick his drawers, and his a**. But you sir, you seem to be above the rules. Wonder why that is. (Laughs),” Kwame said.
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NBA trying to protect LeBron?
James and the NBA have been criticized for his participation in the event. Some fans and analysts have criticized the NBA and commissioner Adam Silver for trying to protect their star player and ensure that the playoff ratings don’t suffer. LeBron James is the reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP. So it makes sense as to why the NBA would want to keep James in the playoffs and not take him out of the situation.
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
READ MORE: Is LeBron James Led Lakers’ Game 1 Loss to the Phoenix Suns a Cause For Concern?
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Last year, the NBA suffered some of their worst ratings in the playoffs. Therefore, if they want to ensure that the ratings take a jump, they need LeBron James along with the other best players in the league. Currently, James and the Lakers are down 1-0 in their first-round series against the second-seed Phoenix Suns. The defending champions could be facing a potential first-round exit, if they’re not able to turn their form around during the series.
