Referees Stop Lakers vs. Hawks After LeBron James Heckled by Spectator

LeBron James didn't turn in his most impressive stat line of the season on Monday, but it wasn't exactly an uneventful night for James in Atlanta.

The Lakers star was heckled by a spectator in the fourth quarter on Monday at State Farm Arena. Referees briefly stopped the game as the two exchanged words before the spectator was ejected. The woman in question posted a series of Instagram stories postgame, saying she was kicked out for "talking s--- to LeBron James." She also accused James of cursing at her husband, who was sitting courtside. 

James detailed his side of the story postgame. He noted he wasn't bothered by the "back-and-forth" with the woman and her husband.

"I'm happy fans are back in the building," James told the media. "I miss that interaction, I need that interaction. We as players need that interaction."

"There was a back-and-forth between two grown men, and we said our piece. ...I didn't think they should have been kicked out."

James had just nine points through three quarters on Monday, but he had no trouble closing Los Angeles' 107-99 win after the exchange with a spectator. James scored the Lakers' final nine points, finishing the night with 21 points on 5-12 from the field.

Los Angeles advanced to 16–6 in 2020–21 after Monday's win. James entered Monday night averaging 25.2 points and 7.5 assists per game.