LeBron James Fined for Provocative Dance, Showcasing His Passion for Dance
LeBron James has been fined $15,000 for performing the “big balls dance” popularized by Sam Cassell during the Lakers’ victory over the Indiana Pacers, the league announced on Friday. This incident highlights James’ undeniable passion for dance, even if it occasionally sparks controversy.
In addition to the fine for the “obscene gesture,” the NBA also issued a warning to James for using profane language during a media availability session. This likely refers to James expressing his frustration to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about the league’s decision to suspend him for one game following an altercation with Isaiah Stewart, which James described as “some bullshit.”
The league’s statement on the matter was clear: players have been fined between $15,000 and $25,000 for the dance since the 2010-11 season. For instance, Raptors guard Fred VanVleet received the same fine earlier this month for the same dance. Former Laker Julius Randle was fined $15,000 for the dance in 2016 after a win over the Heat.
Despite the peculiar nature of fining players for a celebratory dance, the NBA has maintained consistency in its enforcement of this rule. This may explain why James later deleted his humorous Instagram post about the incident.
While the fine may seem trivial, it underscores James’ willingness to entertain his fans, providing a light-hearted moment amidst a turbulent season. Given that James is earning $41 million this year, the fine is unlikely to impact him significantly. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder of his playful spirit and dedication to bringing joy to his audience.
