LeBron James is one of the most polarizing athletes in the world.
Now James’ reputation is in the gutter.
That’s because of what LeBron James did when he just suffered the biggest humiliation of his life.
The Phoenix Suns clinched their first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 113-100 Game Six victory in LA.
This was the only time James lost a first round series making him 14-1 in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.
But that wasn’t even the biggest story of the night.
James’ shameful behavior as the clock wound down is what attracted most of the postgame attention as James left the court without shaking the hands of the Suns players.
A quick exit for Lakers’ LeBron James after Game 6 loss. No handshakes on the court w/ the Suns pic.twitter.com/hv7S60KHRk
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 4, 2021
This brought back memories of the 1991 “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons walking off the court before the clock wound down on the final game of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls four game sweep of the back-to-back defending champion Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jordan never forgot or forgave that sleight and it played a role in keeping Pistons star Isaiah Thomas off the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team.”
James will never pay that type of price for this stunt in terms of on the court rewards.
But this is the second time James embarrassed himself in this series.
James left the court with five minutes to go in the Suns’ 121-85 win in the pivotal Game Five.
The Suns finished with the second best record in the West.
Phoenix is led by emerging star Devin Booker, veteran point guard Chris Paul, and former number one overall draft pick center Michael Ayton.
There is no shame in losing to a better team.
But LeBron James refused to take his defeat in stride and stormed off the court like a petulant child.
Sports with Balls will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
