LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma received warnings for violating the NBA’s anti-flopping rule in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-105 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, the League announced.
The NBA said James’ rape occurred with 2 minutes and 33 seconds remaining in the second quarter when James, located between Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen of the Grizzlies, fell to the floor while competing for a rebound.
Kuzma feigned with 06:31 remaining in the final quarter, according to the League. While defending Brooks, Kuzma tried to commit an offensive foul by turning and falling into pain after Brooks lowered his shoulder and made contact with Kuzma’s hip.
The NBA sought to clear the game by monitoring the accumulation from the 2012-13 season. After receiving a warning, a player may be subject to fines ranging from $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 to $ 15,000 to $ 30,000 for each subsequent infraction. If a player reaches six simulations in a season, the fine may increase further and the League is entitled to issue a suspension.
Nearly a decade after the introduction of the rule change, the anti-flopping rule rarely applies. James and Kuzma are just the sixth and seventh players to be cautioned with warnings by the League this season, joining Lamelo Ball, DJ Augustin, Gary Trent Jr., Kristaps Porzingis and Mason Jones.
The last player to be fined by the NBA for failing was Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics during the 2020 playoffs.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps contributed to this report.