After his team’s Game 4 loss against the Lakers, Warriors coach Steve Kerr openly called out Los Angeles for flopping, saying, “I give the Lakers credit for the plays they’ve been able to sell.” The comment has caused some stir amid the Western Conference semifinals and LeBron James addressed them bluntly Wednesday night.
“We’re just not a team that goes out there looking for flopping opportunities,” he said after his team’s 121–106 loss in Game 5. “It’s just not us. It’s never been. It’s actually never been any team I’ve played on in my 20 years where we’ve been a flopping team.”
Lakers’ LeBron James on Steve Kerr’s flopping allegations: “We’re just not a team that goes out there looking for flopping opportunities. That’s just not us. It’s actually never been any team I’ve played on in my 20 years.” pic.twitter.com/F4fsfufBiE
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 11, 2023
It’s worth noting that before Game 5 tipped off, TNT sideline reporter Chris Haynes shared a text message he got from an anonymous “prominent” Lakers player about their thoughts on Kerr’s comments. Some profanity ensued.
“This was his response to me: ‘Let them bleep and complain. It shows weakness and frustration. We can’t get caught up in that game. We just have to play and keep fighting,’” Haynes said.
"I texted a prominent Lakers player. This was his response: 'Let them b*tch and complain. It shows weakness and frustration. We can't get caught up in that game.'"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 11, 2023
Which Lakers player do you think said this to Chris Haynes before Game 5 vs. Warriors? 🤔pic.twitter.com/RsoH7BuL4S
The war of words and basketball will continue in Game 6 on Friday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
