LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Ime Udoka, the head coach of the Houston Rockets, got into an oddly officiated argument on Saturday night, which resulted in a technical foul for James and an ejection for Udoka.
With 8:35 left in the fourth quarter and the Lakers up 93-77, James and Udoka got into a heated exchange.
After some mild jawing of the court, Lakers swingman Cam Reddish separated himself from Rockets forward Tari Eason after fouling him and walking into him seconds after the play was dead.
Following the play, Udoka was heard addressing James. However, as the all-time great tried to get close to the Houston head coach, controversial Rockets wing Dillon Brooks got in the way.
After a confrontation between Udoka and James, the Rockets head coach was ejected and James was assessed a technical foul.
After the incident, Udoka stated, “We had some conversation and [they] didn’t like what they heard.”
Additionally, Udoka expressed his displeasure with the Rockets’ physicality. The Rockets are a team that has been known for their defensive improvement this season, especially at home, where they remain the only team in the NBA without a road victory.
The specifics of the conversation were also questioned of James.
He replied that his conversation with Udoka had been about “Thanksgiving… how much we enjoyed Thanksgiving.”
James finished with 16 points and seven assists as the Lakers went on to win 107-97, bringing their season record to 12-9.
With the Rockets at 8-9, Udoka is in his first season with Houston following his suspension by the Celtics last season for an improper, consensual relationship with a staff member.