LeBron James Goes Viral After Getting Caught Peeking For A Foul Call

James appears to be writhing in pain, but his eyes tell a different story. As soon as he uncovered his face, fans noticed that LeBron was checking to see if the refs had made the right call before giving up his act. LeBron did get hit on the play, but there's no doubt that he oversold the contact for the sake of earning free throws.

On social media, the fans were not surprised that James was caught trying to play the officials, but it did make for a pretty hilarious moment that will not be easily forgotten.

"Yeah every time he on the ground it’s like he’s dead i’m wondering if he’s good every time," wrote a Lakers fan on X. "He needs to act sometimes, and this is after Julius slapped him in the face after shooting a layup so..."

Flopping isn't very popular among the NBA community, but every player has participated in the practice at some point, and teams encourage the practice since it can often swing games in their favor.

"Flopping is part of basketball," wrote one fan in defense of the practice. "If you don’t like it, then don’t watch."

LeBron might have also used the technique as a way to get some extra rest before the final stretch of the game. The tradition is commonly used by athletes as a way to replenish their stamina.

"This isn’t a flop by the way," wrote one fan on X. "This is what most athletes do to get a timeout without it being official. He definitely did get hit in the face."

James, a 22-year NBA veteran, knows how to draw contact, and he's not above a little acting to get the attention of the refs. Against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, LeBron went a perfect 4-4 from the line in the Lakers' nine-point win in Game 2.

While LeBron's dramatics are evident, it's also true that he's routinely subject to contact that often goes uncalled and unnoticed. At 6'9" and 250 pounds, LeBron can be like a freight train going to the rim, and officials aren't always able to keep up with the contact he receives on nearly every attempt.

This season, the 40-year-old superstar is at a career low in free throw shooting, with averages of 3.7 made in 4.7 attempts per game. Those numbers will have to improve if the Lakers want to make a deep playoff run, and it seems like he's going to great lengths to make it happen and generate more trips to the line.

Going forward, LeBron will have to be more discreet about his flopping, but he's not going to stop if it gives the Lakers any extra advantage. With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, LeBron has more than lived up to his role this season, but he will not rest until the Lakers have reached the end of their playoff run.