“LeBron is cooked”: NBA engages in talks over implementation of flopping penalty causing supports to mock Lakers’ king

Over the last ten years, the NBA has made an attempt to combat flopping, and next season, that effort may be stepped up even further. A flop penalty that would grant the opposing team a technical free throw is being discussed by the NBA. The new rule may be put to the test by the league during the July Summer League. After this fans were reminded of LeBron James and his alleged flopping incident against the Denver Nuggets.

A player who is found to have flopped is given a technical foul if caught in-game or penalised if the offence is detected after the fact starting with the 2012–13 season. The new regulation would make it so the opposition team receives a free throw, punishing a team for a miss rather than just an individual.

NBA reportedly planning for rule change

The prevalence of flopping in the NBA has gotten to the point where it is difficult to tell the difference between actual infractions and dishonest behaviour. According to Shams Charania, the NBA Competition Committee will test out in-game fines for flopping at the Summer League to solve this problem.

Sources: The NBA’s Competition Committee is discussing potential of in-game penalty for flops that would result in technical foul free throw. Trial is possible at Summer League in July.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2023

It is predicted that the implementation of in-game penalties for flopping would significantly alter the nature of the game by stopping players from gaining advantage from dubious decisions. Referees still struggle to decide which plays are fouls and which are flops. The use of these sanctions will show how the league intends to help referees make more accurate decisions.

Players will need to use caution and pay attention to their on-court behaviour in light of this new development. A technical foul free throw will be given to the other side for any irresponsible flopping.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his worries about failing in the NBA following a Game 4 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors’ accusations during the Western Conference playoffs, when they thought the Lakers used flopping methods, probably had an impact on Kerr’s remarks. LeBron James, who participated in a contentious loss to the Denver Nuggets, was singled out by Kerr.

Kerr expressed his plea to the NBA, saying, “I think we should address it because the players are so smart, and the entire regular season is about gamesmanship and trying to fool the refs… I think we can do better in terms of cleaning up the flopping.”

The NBA will have to find a balance between penalising dishonest behaviour and maintaining consistent and fair officiating as it investigates the in-game punishment for flops.

Fans reaction to NBA’s potential new flopping penalty rule

Unhappy fans who were watching the Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers accused LeBron James of flopping during Game 2. After diverting a pass from Nikola Jokic, James looked to purposefully slip to the courtside, upsetting the crowd and earning Nikola Jokic a foul call. James’ frequent stumbles were questioned by Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan on Twitter.

Interestingly, LeBron had stated in an interview only a week before the event that his team does not indulge in flopping and does not intentionally seek for such occasions. After the NBA sought to bring new rule on flopping he was promptly reminded by fans of his most recent remarks, and they then went on to ridicule and denounce him for what they saw as his apparent hypocrisy. Here’s what fans had to say on twitter:

“We don’t practice flopping” the same LeBron James who just drew an offensive foul on joker with a flop,” 

“We don’t practice flopping” the same LeBron James who just drew an offensive foul on joker with a flop

— Dre Pabon (@thedrepabon) May 19, 2023

“LeBron James may be a great player, but his reputation for flopping can’t be ignored”

LeBron James may be a great player, but his reputation for flopping can't be ignored. #LeFlop #NBA

Temu code for code!
/142750586/pic.twitter.com/5xQ4RA8mg4

— 🍯R C🍙 (@RC69820917) May 19, 2023

“This man is a disgrace! I’m disgusted,”

This man is a disgrace! I'm disgusted pic.twitter.com/uAoA0Apqq3

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 19, 2023

“LeBron is cooked”

LeBron is cooked 😭

— َ (@FeelLikeDrew) May 25, 2023

“He knew this was coming thus why he hinted to his retirement.”

He knew this was coming thus why he hinted to his retirement.

— Jimmo🇵🇷 (@OGJimmo) May 25, 2023

The reactions from fans, particularly regarding LeBron James’ alleged flopping incident, reflect the passionate discussions surrounding this topic. As the league continues to explore ways to combat flopping, it will be interesting to see how these potential rule changes and their enforcement impact the future of the game.

Let us know your thoughts regarding the NBA’s potential new flopping penalty rule and LeBron James’ alleged flopping incident.