LeBron James Calls Out Officials For Rookie Teammate’s ‘Unwarranted’ Ejection

LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates watched as referee James Williams tossed rookie Adou Thiero out of Game 4.

LeBron James Calls Out Officials For Rookie Teammate’s ‘Unwarranted’ Ejection

LeBron James and Adou Thiero (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James criticized referee James Williams for the ejection of rookie Adou Thiero, calling it unwarranted.
  • Head coach JJ Redick also questioned the decision and sought an explanation from the referee.
  • Teammates, including Marcus Smart, expressed their frustration towards the officiating after the game.

With the Los Angeles Lakers one game away from an impressive first-round series win over the Houston Rockets, LeBron James had to lead his teammates to repeat what they did in the first three games.

In those battles, the King played the perfect role as the puppet master and as the best player on the court. His performances may not have been to his all-dominating self from the early 2010s, but they were enough to get his team over the bar.

As a playmaker, he was bringing the best out of his teammates, and the hope was that it would continue into Game 4 in front of the Houston faithful.

Even Charles Barkley, who has made it a habit of undermining the Lakers, believed that the series was over. But little did he, or James, realize Game 4 was going to be a different affair.

The Rockets came out strong and throttled the away team. Towards the later stages, head coach JJ Redick threw in the towel and asked the deep end of the bench to play out garbage minutes. During this period, rookie Adou Thiero was tossed from the game.

I’m more pissed off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for, and it made no sense. Think that’s his first time he’s ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don’t think that was warranted. Give him two technicals, the kid just got into the game. That was ridiculous.

LeBron James told reporters

The four-time champion was unhappy with the way referee James Williams tossed his rookie over what was a seemingly harmless situation, something that could have been tackled with technical fouls.

JJ Redick hopes referee James Williams can explain Adou Thiero’s ejection

While LeBron James was direct in calling out the questionable circumstances that led to Adou Thiero’s ejection, head coach JJ Redick wanted referee James Williams to explain his decision.

I didn’t get a great explanation on Adou. I’m sure James will give you that.

JJ Redick said

The former sharpshooter also spoke about Deandre Ayton‘s surprise Flagrant 2 and ejection earlier in the game. Even opposing coach Ime Udoka was surprised by the decision to toss the Lakers’ center.

All of these points point to some questionable decisions on the part of Williams. Devin Booker had opened a can of worms when he alleged that the officiating seemed biased and that referees were unwilling to listen to him.

Since then, some have questioned James Williams’ motives, pointing towards the possibility of bias when he wore Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s shoes during the Suns and Thunder’s game.

But the NBA stepped in and first fined Booker, but rescinded his technical foul. LeBron James and JJ Redick have spoken out about this situation. But the growing angst towards the official could force the league to review his actions.

LeBron James had to stop his teammates from going after James Williams

Even though Deandre Ayton’s ejection would require reviews from multiple angles, LeBron James was sure that Adou Thiero being tossed was a bit excessive.

Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart (Image via Ritmo NBA/X)

In fact, most of his teammates agreed, as was evident from the way some of them approached referee Williams after the final buzzer.

Marcus Smart was at the head of the list of players who tried to get to the referee. The veteran guard is known to speak his mind when needed and was seen hurling whatever he felt best at the official.

Others were also vocal, but not as loud as Smart. Williams was seen saying something to the Lakers’ guard, but then walked away. Soon, LeBron came up and guided his teammates away from the officials, knowing this could escalate into something unnecessary.

With their playoff hopes pinned on the health and availability of their players, the last thing the team needs is to lose another player or two to suspensions.

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