SUMMARY
- Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling reacted in defense of LeBron James after Draymond Green's controversial moments in the Lakers vs. GSW match.
- Lakers won the match in OT2 because of a last-second foul by Green on James.
UFC fighter Aljamain Sterling reacted to the thrilling NBA match between Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. Lakers vs. GSW seemed like it would not get to a result tonight as we witnessed an extremely close encounter in second OT. However, a foul by none other than Draymond Green on LeBron James turned out to be pivotal for the Lakers’ win.
Green was on duty to mark his friend James tonight. The referee made a controversial decision as he did not give a flagrant foul when Green moved his hand over James’ face. However, in the last second of OT2, Green fouled James which gave the Lakers’ captain two free throws to triumph.
The match was neck-to-neck as the Lakers won the first two quarters 33-30 and 35-33. GSW swept the third quarter 36-23. However, the Lakers came back strong to win the fourth quarter 27-19. The match was tied at 118-118.
The match remained tied after OT1 as the scores were 12-12. In OT2, in the last seconds, Stephen Curry‘s three-pointer helped GSW lead 14-13. However, James’ free throws turned the tide toward Darvin Ham’s team.
Green’s abilities were put into question by several fans after the match. He has faced multiple suspensions previously for foul play. In December 2023, he was suspended indefinitely for striking Jusuf Nurkić in a match against Phoenix Suns. That was his third ejection of the season. He also infamously got Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock during an altercation in a match.
Draymond tried to put LeBron in a headlock 😭😭
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 28, 2024
Referencing his history of headlocks, Sterling wrote about Green, “Draymond tried to put LeBron in a headlock.”
Bantamweight fighter Sterling is preparing himself for his UFC Featherweight debut. He faces Calvin Kattar at 145 lbs in April 2024 at UFC 300.
Fans believe Draymond Green fouled LeBron James intentionally to help the Los Angeles Lakers win
Green has been linked to a move to the Lakers due to his friendship with James. During an appearance on the ‘Podcast P with Paul George’ show, Green said, “As far as us being as tight as we are, that’s my big brother. Love him to death… And ain’t nothing changing that. Only thing changing is our relationship continues to grow.”
Fans, however, have seen that friendship in a different light. They were not happy with Green’s crucial foul. They believe that due to Green’s friendship with James, the former offered the latter a chance to win the match. One fan wrote, “Draymond love Lebron so much he gave him FTs to win the game.”
Draymond love Lebron so much he gave him FTs to win the game
— Kish 🇭🇹 (@yvngplank) January 28, 2024
Another fan wrote, “I just know Draymond fouled LeBron on purpose…”
One more fan pointed out a similar thing and wrote, “Draymond fouling LeBron to get him the win is so funny. I know Warrior fans are hot.”
Warriors are in the 12th spot with 19 wins and 24 losses in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers are fairing a bit better as they are in the ninth spot with 24 wins and 23 losses.