The Cleveland Cavaliers got absolutely spanked by the Indiana Pacers, 98-80, in Game 1 of their first-round NBA Playoff series, and LeBron James was visibly upset about it.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/985640486600871936
In fact, King James was so frustrated by the butt-kicking he and his teammates received at the hand of Lance Stephenson (who was extra spicy in this one), Victor Oladipo and the Pacers that he walked off the court before time expired.
Not surprisingly, fans on social media were quick to pounce on James for his lack of sportsmanship.
So Tom Brady gets criticised after the super bowl for not "shaking hands" even tho he tried. But @KingJames just put a towel over his crying face and walked off the court before the buzzer even sounded! Can't wait to hear his excuses postgame! "They're a super team"
— Randy (@11K_G20_Celtics) April 15, 2018
LeBron couldn't beat Indiana at home AND walked off the court early. Is HE the kind of guy you want playing for YOUR team? Phone lines are open for the first time today! (610)…
— Russ Joy (@JoyOnBroad) April 15, 2018
Damn LeBron walked to the locker before the final buzzer. Kinda gave me the same feeling whn he walked off after losing to Boston back in 2010 months before “The Decision”
— O (@O_K_Francis) April 15, 2018
Want to know what’s wrong with the @NBA? No sportsmanship. The fact that @KingJames walked off the court before the whistle blew shows your character. Sore loser! #PacersVsCavs
— Rose Timpe Branson (@rosie_branson) April 15, 2018
The buzzer didn’t even go off and Lebron walked out I know Skip and Shannon and Max and Stephen A gone have fun with that
— . (@FerrariScottt) April 15, 2018
#LEBRON not a team player ahaha he walked to the locker room 20 sec left on the clock without waiting for his team to get off the court he is not a team player 😂😂😂
— BrothaNate (@BrothaNatee) April 15, 2018
LeBron walked off before time expired. Disgrace!
(Cc: @RealSkipBayless, @stephenasmith, @kingsthings, @Lonely_Dad)
— Tim Ryan🦤 (@TheSportsHernia) April 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/torrribennett/status/985640524706172930
https://twitter.com/pjharris8/status/985640508931366912
James clearly has some explaining to do. This was not a good look.