What was actually said during LeBron James’ and Ime Udoka’s heated exchange during the Lakers-Rockets game on Saturday night?
A viral video shared by X user @legendz_nba — an apparent popular lip-reading account — claimed the Lakers star and Rockets coach were going back and forth about Udoka calling James’ Lakers “b–ches,” which the four-time NBA champ didn’t take lightly.
James and Udoka were seen chirping at each other before referee J.T. Orr assessed both technical fouls while Los Angeles led 93-77 with 8:35 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Udoka was also ejected from the game as that was his second technical foul.
“Stop crying like b—-es, man,” Udoka, 46, said, according to the X user, who shared a video with “leaked audio” of the exchange at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles.
The video has not been verified as a legitimate depiction of what was actually said between James and Udoka.
“We’re all grown men, that b–ch word ain’t cool,” James allegedly responded.
“Soft ass boy, stop b–ching,” Udoka reportedly said. “Acting like you’re gonna do something.”
Udoka was ejected from his Houston Rockets’ 107-97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night due to an exchange he had with James.
Both Udoka and James were asked about the exchange after Houston’s 107-97 win over the Lakers.
“We had some conversation and [they] didn’t like what they heard,” Udoka said.
James claimed the two were chatting about the holidays.
“Thanksgiving… how much we enjoyed Thanksgiving,” the 38-year-old forward said.
James finished with 16 points, seven assists and four rebounds to help the Lakers improve to 12-9 on the season.
The Lakers host the Phoenix Suns (12-8) in the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday.
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