LeBron James reacts to Dillon Brooks ejection in Game 3 / News - Basketnews.com

LeBron James said that he tried to focus on the game plan and protect his "crown jewels" after the Dillon Brooks hit.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix

Los Angeles star LeBron James commented on the Game 3 episode of the Lakers-Grizzlies playoff series when he was hit by Memphis forward Dillon Brooks in the groin area.

Dillon Brooks

MIN:30.21PTS:14.32 (44.68%)REB:3.32As:2.59ST:0.87BL:0.21TO:1.44GM:75ProfileNBA2022/2023

Brooks,who had called James "old" after Game 2, hit LeBron with an open backhand while he was dribbling the ball upcourt at Crypto.com Arena.

"Just focusing on the game plan. There was a lot of game to be played when that incident happened," James reacted to the incident. "So just tried to get up, protect my crown jewels, and move on to the next play."

Meanwhile, Brooks declined an interview request by ESPN's Tim MacMahon: "I ain't talking."

LeBron was in visible pain after a hit and needed a few minutes to recover, while the officials reviewed the play and ejected Brooks for committing a flagrant foul 2.

The home crowd reacted with a mix of cheers and jeers as Brooks left the court.

Ja Morant said he didn't think Brooks should have been ejected. However, "with how they treat him, I wouldn't be surprised if he is" suspended for Game 4.

The Lakers grabbed a 111-101 win on Saturday night and took the 2-1 lead in the series.

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