The Los Angeles Lakers were going head-to-head against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA preseason on Thursday. During the Lakers’ 128-122 overtime victory over the Suns, rookie Bronny James was involved in a physical play that was deemed a flagrant foul.
In the second half of the matchup, James was running down the floor, attempting to defend a fastbreak drive from Suns forward Jalen Bridges.
James made contact with Bridges before he took his gather step toward the basket. He nudged Bridges with his hip, and the Suns rookie hit the floor after he took the hit.
While it was originally called a common foul on the floor, after further review, it was upgraded to a flagrant foul.
After the news about James’ flagrant foul hit the internet, many NBA fans sent a similar message to the league. Some believe they should not have upgraded the foul, with a couple of fans calling the NBA “soft.”
“The NBA is flagrant,” said one fan.
“League so soft,” said another fan.
“No, that was a trash call. Come on man.” mentioned one fan.
“It’s cool to see the NBA has turned into the premiere league.” said one fan.
“Charmin soft league.” said another fan.
“NBA looks baby diaper soft with calls like this.” commented one fan.
Los Angeles Lakers father-son duo and teammates LeBron James and Bronny James.
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
James ended the matchup with four points and two rebounds in 17 minutes of game action. He shot 2-of-4 from the field and helped the Lakers earn their second preseason victory. They currently hold a 2-3 record in the preseason, having beaten the Milwaukee Bucks and the Suns.
The Lakers’ next preseason matchup will be played on Oct. 18 against the Golden State Warriors.
