The Los Angeles Lakers had to play the New York Knicks without star forward LeBron James.
James, who is healthy after dealing with injuries, was suspended one game by the NBA for his role in Sunday’s altercation with Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart that turned bloody.
After the Lakers lost to the Knicks, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook gave their thoughts on LeBron’s suspension.
“I was surprised,” Davis said. “I mean, I didn’t think he would get suspended. I don’t think anyone thought he was going to be suspended, to be honest. It was an accident. He accidentally hit him in the face. But I guess the report came out and said that his hit to the face caused the incident, which is weird because he can’t control how a guy is going to react.”
Davis continued about how getting hit in the face is a common experience for players.
“Guys get hit in the face all the time,” Davis said. “If we’re saying that caused the incident, I get hit in my face probably more than anyone. If I go off and do all that, the guy who hit me in the face gets suspended as well? It was strange, but nothing we can do about it. Be ready to go tomorrow.”
Westbrook explained how he wants to move on now that LeBron is set to return against the Indiana Pacers.
“It’s a little surprising. I think, obviously, we’ve all seen the video, but they made the decision. There’s no need for myself or anybody else to continue talking about it or try to figure it out,” Westbrook said. “We got a game tomorrow, and Bron will be back then, and we’ll go in Indiana and take care of business.”
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