Joel Achenbach, CNN • Updated 10th February 2020
( CNN ) — If you thought you could never see LeBron James get technical foul in the NBA again, you’re wrong.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star was given a technical foul late in the second quarter of his team’s loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday for complaining too loudly on the court after being called for a tech.
Moments later, James was seen throwing an elbow in the direction of New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox as they fought for a loose ball in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden.
Referees issued both players with technical fouls, the NBA announced later in the night. Knox received a flagrant foul 2, one for a bad play and another for “a retaliatory attack.”
Ayton and Knicks center Enes Kanter were both ejected, the league said.
In the incident, Knox and James took a swing at each other in the lane before Knox was tossed. There was no apparent punch thrown by James, but the incident added to what has been a fascinating and often bitter season between the two teams.
James has played his entire 16-year career with the Cavaliers but was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer. He was playing his fifth game for the Lakers Saturday.