LeBron, Kuzma warned over flops vs. Grizzlies
LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma went a little too far in trying to sell contact against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
The two Los Angeles Lakers forwards received warnings from the league for violating the anti-flopping rule on separate occasions during the contest.
James' embellishment occurred with 2:33 left in the second quarter while battling Grizzlies swingman Dillon Brooks under the basket for a rebound. James threw himself backward and onto the court, convincing the ref to call a foul.
Kuzma's infraction also came against Brooks, albeit midway through the fourth quarter. However, unlike James, Kuzma wasn't successful in persuading the officials to call a foul on Brooks.
Players receive a warning for a first violation of the league's anti-flopping rules during the season. If the pair is reprimanded a second time, it will amount to a $5,000 fine. A third, fourth, and fifth infraction will dock them $10,000, $15,000, and $30,000, respectively.
In the case of any subsequent violations, the NBA could dish out stricter punishment, "including an increased fine and/or suspension."
The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies, 115-105.