Why did Isaiah Stewart get into a major altercation with LeBron James in 2021? All you need to know
Isaiah Stewart's altercation with LeBron James will never be forgotten by NBA fans. The Detroit Pistons center was furious and wanted to fight LeBron, despite being held back by his teammates.
Stewart is a great young player who is currently in his third professional season. He's earned a lot of popularity thanks to his great performances, but also thanks to the physical altercation with LeBron.
This article will reveal everything you need to know about Isaiah Stewart's fight with James in November 2021. We will take a deeper look into this sequence, everything that's led to it, and the consequences.
Isaiah Stewart's altercation with LeBron James led to their ejections
On Nov. 21, 2021, the Detroit Pistons hosted the LA Lakers at Little Caesars Arena. The Lakers, who were coming off an NBA championship, entered the game being under .500, which was very disappointing.
Early in the third quarter, Jerami Grant was at the free-throw line for the Detroit Pistons. LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart fought for the rebound while trying to box each other out.
Unfortunately, the Lakers forward was too aggressive and ended up hitting Stewart in the face with an elbow.
The Pistons center fell to the ground after James' hit and wasn't too happy about it. He quickly got back on his feet and shoved the four-time NBA champion. Fortunately, their teammates quickly reacted and separated them.
You may be interested in reading: LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart suspended for one and two games respectively for their recent altercation
Despite being held by his teammates, the young center tried to get loose and get closer to James. However, there were too many people on the court who slowed him down and eventually stopped him.
Shortly after, both players were ejected from the game. Stewart finished his night with four points, while James left for the locker room with 10 points and five assists.
Due to this physical altercation, both players were also suspended. The Pistons center had to sit out two games for trying to escalate the conflict, while James was suspended for a single game.
Stewart and James share their thoughts regarding the incident
Isaiah Stewart was furious and did his best to fight LeBron. He did this because he thought that the LA Lakers superstar hit him on purpose.
"I watched the film," the Pistons big man said. "I didn't feel like it was an accident."
The Pistons were in control of the game and it looked like they were going to beat LeBron's team. However, the Lakers took over in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pistons by 20 points and winning the game by five points.
You may be interested in reading: “It was an accident” – Anthony Davis continues to vouch for LeBron James’ innocence in his scuffle with Isaiah Stewart
LeBron believes that the referees made the right call by ejecting both of them. However, he disagreed with the league's decision to suspend him for one game.