During the recent game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, a verbal altercation unfolded between LeBron James and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. The dispute arose when Udoka reportedly referred to the Lakers as "b*****" during the fourth quarter for complaining about calls. LeBron took offense and confronted Udoka, resulting in both players receiving technical fouls and Udoka getting ejected. The Rockets ultimately lost the game 107-97.
Following this incident, analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized LeBron's reaction on The Stephen A. Smith Show. Smith acknowledged that it would have been acceptable for LeBron to address Udoka if the derogatory term was directed at him personally. However, Udoka used it to describe the Lakers as a team for contesting calls. Smith questioned LeBron's response, stating, "Who are you? You the Grandma Police or something? What the hell is going on?" According to Smith, LeBron shouldn't have intervened in a grown man expressing himself. When asked about the conversation, LeBron humorously mentioned they were discussing Thanksgiving, avoiding disclosure. In a video shared on social media, LeBron advised Udoka not to use the term "b****" casually.
