LeBron downplays exchange that led to Udoka ejection: We talked about Thanksgiving
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was ejected from Saturday's game due to a second technical foul issued after a verbal exchange with Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Ime Udoka ejected after exchanging words with LeBron.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 3, 2023
pic.twitter.com/qMIVT1yuyo
James was also given a tech for the incident by referee J.T. Orr. Udoka had already been handed a tech earlier in the game, which resulted in his ejection.
When asked about what he and Udoka were talking about, James wryly responded, "Thanksgiving. How much we enjoyed Thanksgiving."
LeBron James on what he and Ime Udoka were discussing to warrant double technical fouls tonight: “Thanksgiving.” And on the string of techs he’s been picking up - three in L.A.’s last five games: “It’s a wild season” pic.twitter.com/WbfZ00ivJk
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 3, 2023
Following the game, Udoka expressed his displeasure with how the Rockets played in the 107-97 loss.
"I don't love our physicality on (James) ... to kind of get punked by a team that's not known for physicality or punking people is not a good sign," Udoka, who was 2-6 for his career as a player against LeBron, said.
James, who has been handed three technicals over the past five games, scored 16 points while adding seven assists and four rebounds over 35 minutes in the win. The Lakers improved to 12-9 on the season, while the Rockets are below .500 at 8-9.