Free agent forward LeBron James is looking back on one of the most memorable on-court confrontations of his career, recalling former Detroit Pistons enforcer Isaiah Stewart chasing him during a game in 2021.
Speaking Friday (July 17) during a live episode of The Shop at Fanatics Fest, James joked about the incident that led to just the second ejection of his NBA career.
“He was chasing the s&*!out of me,” James said. “I’m like, ‘Get this big mother!@#$%^ up off me.’”
“That’s a big boy,” James added.
The altercation occurred Nov. 21, 2021, during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 121-116 victory over the Pistons inside Little Caesars Arena.
While boxing out during a free throw in the third quarter, James’ arm struck Stewart in the face, opening a cut above Stewart’s eye.
After an initial confrontation between the two, teammates and arena personnel attempted to separate them.
Stewart repeatedly broke free from those restraining him and charged across the court toward James before eventually being stopped.
Both players were ejected once the smoke cleared.
The NBA later suspended Stewart for two games for “repeatedly and aggressively pursuing” James and suspended James for one game for “recklessly hitting” Stewart in the face.
The suspension marked the first of James’ career.
James has been ejected twice in more than two decades in the NBA.
His first ejection came Nov. 28, 2017, while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, when he was thrown out for arguing a no-call against the Miami Heat.
The 2021 incident against Detroit marked his second career ejection.
As for Beef Stew, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for three future second-round draft picks.
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