LeBron James amongst the trio who are fined for flopping.
Miami Heat star LeBron James has received a $5,000 fine for his Game 4 flop, while Indiana Pacers duo David West and Lance Stephenson have also received the punishment after violating the league’s policy.
Following a dramatic Game 4 in Indiana on Tuesday night where the Pacers levelled the series ahead of the next clash in Miami on Thursday, the association have added further tension to the match-up.
James and West were fined over the same play, as James spun and fell to the floor after minimal contact the latter tumbled towards the baseline as part of what has described as “a poorly choreographed dance routine”.
In addition, Stephenson was also penalized after exaggerating contact from a slight elbow he received from Ray Allen following a Pacers basket.
The NBA have decided to clamp down on such acts of play-acting and exaggeration to sway the officials into giving flagrant fouls and the like.
Furthermore, they revealed that they would review many of the controversial calls that were made in Game 4, but it will do little to change the outcome of this series as the tension switches to the AA Arena where the Pacers will hope to be the first team to win consecutive games in this series.
James has previously stated that he “doesn’t need to flop”, and has never been one to try and trick the officials. Yet judging by the amusing video below, he may well deserve the fine that was handed out on Thursday.
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