Basketball fans react to Pistons-Lakers melee at Little Caesars Arena

Stewart, LeBron ejected after James flagrant at LCA

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons calm down Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons after Stewart was struck by LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) (Nic Antaya, 2021 Getty Images)

DETROIT – No matter where you turn, It seems like everyone is still talking about the Motor City melee that happened on the court at Little Caesars Arena between LeBron James and Pistons, Isaiah Stewart.

“As you see, my man was trying to get at him. I wish he would have got at him,” Loki Jones, a fan of the Pistons, said.

Recommended Videos



Read more: NBA: LeBron suspended 1 game, Stewart gets 2 games for roles in Pistons-Lakers melee

Local 4 cameras caught No. 28 just days ago, helping to give out turkeys for Thanksgiving with other Pistons.

“To me, it’s just the smiles on family faces. That’s been great all night,” Stewart said before the game.

Patrick Mies was at the game with his 6-year-old son, Nicky, when all the commotion happened. He said he’s just glad someone decided to step up to keep fans off the court, to avoid a situation similar to the “Malice At The Palace” incident that happened 17 years ago.

Read: 17 years later: Remembering the 2004 Pistons-Pacers brawl

“People started to come down the stairs, which had me startled because there’s nowhere else to go. I’m grateful that announcer Mason got on there and was so direct because I was concerned for our safety,” Mies said.

His 6-year-old son witnessed his hero get into a scuffle at the first NBA game he’d ever seen live. He now sees LeBron in a different light.

“He said, ‘Dad, I wish I could get down there and tell LeBron that he’s gotta be a good sport,” Mies said.

LeBron and Stewart will meet again this upcoming Sunday at a game in Los Angeles.

Read: More local sports coverage


About the Author

Victor Williams joined Local 4 News in October of 2019 after working for WOIO in Cleveland, OH, WLOX News in Biloxi, MS, and WBBJ in Jackson, TN. Victor developed a love for journalism after realizing he was a great speaker and writer at an early age.

Recommended Videos