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Mike Chiari is the featured Columnist for the Los Angeles Lakers.
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AP Photo/Darron Cummings
The NBA fined Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James $15,000 for making an obscene gesture during Wednesday's game.
James was warned for using profanity during media availability.
James grabbed his crotch while running down the court after hitting a three-pointer to extend L.A.'s lead.
Fred VanVleet was fined $15,000 for performing a similar gesture after hitting a big shot in a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Pacers were able to tie the game and force overtime, but the Lakers received a much-needed dominant performance from James in that game.
He had a season-high 39 points, six assists, five rebound, and two blocks for the Pacers.
The Lakers entered the game having lost four of their previous five contests. L.A. was without James in three of those games.
James has missed 11 games due to an abdominal strain, which is similar to last season.
The Lakers entered play Friday in a virtual tie for seventh place in the Western Conference with the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves.
James was fined on Friday for hitting Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart in the face on Sunday, which was his second punishment by the NBA in a week.
