NBA official separates Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Ime Udoka ejected after confrontation with LeBron James

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 3:46 AM ET

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was unceremoniously tossed Saturday from his team’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers.

With the Lakers led the Rockets 93-77 with 8:35 left in the game, Rockets forward Tari Eason was awarded two free throws after being fouled by Lakers wing Cam Reddish. Reddish gave Eason a light bump, which led to a minor fracas between Rockets and Lakers players. Reddish was whistled for a technical foul.

Cam Reddish Walks into Tari Eason and gets a technical

Prince also shoves Tari

Ime Udoka gets ejected

Lebron gets a technical

madness lol pic.twitter.com/LW5U9EY0gQ

— Tedd Buddwell (@TedBuddy8) December 3, 2023

James and Udoka began to chirp at one another. Veteran referee J.T. Orr penalized both James and Udoka with technicals over their animated exchange. Udoka, who had received his first technical foul in the second quarter, was ejected from the contest.

Ime Udoka got ejected after having some words with Bron pic.twitter.com/GzNak5ZLzn

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 3, 2023

The fiery moment from Udoka was not enough to galvanize Houston into mounting a comeback. The Lakers held off the Rockets the rest of the way for a 107-97 victory.

James had a relatively quiet night with 16 points, seven assists and five turnovers. But he did pull off an epic 360 layup that left his Lakers teammates and the internet in disbelief (video here).

The Rockets, meanwhile, continued their struggles on the road. The loss worsened their road record to 0-8 for the season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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