Anthony Davis Ejected From Lakers Game For Tying His Shoe

With the Los Angeles Lakers trailing by a huge margin in the 3rd quarter on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls, #3 bent down to tie his shoe as the Chicago inbounded the ball. Anthony Davis knelt on the floor behind the baseline to do it. He was left out of the play, as he figured the referee would give him a second to tie the shoe. He gestured and said something to the official about not being ready to go.

Having already ticked the refs off earlier in the game with his first technical foul, whatever he told the official triggered another T. By rule, he was ejected from the game. Any player with two unsportsmanlike technical fouls must be ejected from the game.

Despite the explanation, fans thought the ref was stepping over the line. Ticked off Lakers fans, apparently oblivious to the fact that their team was getting crushed, went off on NBA officiating via social media. The struggling Lakers needed a win, but Davis’ ejection probably didn’t matter.

Davis finished with 20 points and 6 rebounds before the ejection, but the damage had already been done. Chicago started the fourth quarter with a 21-point cushion. They wound up winning 121-103.

The Lakers continue to struggle without the injured LeBron James. They currently carry a mediocre 8-7 record. The Bulls improved to 10-4 with the victory. Lakers coach Frank Vogel said the call was overzealous.

“I think typically the ref will wipe the ball, let the guy get his shoe on, have some common sense. Quick in-bounds, AD said ‘That’s B.S.,’ which happens about 15 times in the NBA every game. Quick tech, ejection. I don’t know what to say about that.”

LeBron James has been out since November 2nd due to an abdominal strain. The team could desperately use him right now. The frustration is starting to show the entire way down the bench. Anthony Davis also recently played through an illness.

Do you think Anthony Davis deserved an ejection? Share your thoughts in the comments!