LeBron James (right) shoots over Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during Game 4 of their first-round series. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: LeBron James gives Deandre Ayton cheap push, then doesn’t hustle back

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/30/21

LeBron James turned into a poor sport at the end of his Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Sunday.

James’ Lakers lost 100-92, resulting in a series tied at two. With a minute and a half left, the Suns were leading 95-88. Deandre Ayton got a defensive rebound after a missed shot by Dennis Schroder. And right afterward, James gave Ayton a cheap push in the back.

Love how lebron knew this was it… pic.twitter.com/BWhDS6Kv1X

— NBA STORYTELLER (@mrtomeoni) May 30, 2021

James then didn’t even bother to get back on defense. Jae Crowder was left with a wide open 3-pointer that he buried to seal the victory.

Great Hustle By Lebron! pic.twitter.com/Ebop69Gd7E

— RGN (@RaptorsGotNextt) May 30, 2021

That’s how you know LeBron was giving up and conceding the game.

The series now heads back to Phoenix for Game 5. Considering questions about Anthony Davis’ status, the defending champions need to take things seriously.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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