LeBron James calls out Michigan for sign-stealing after Lakers beat Suns

LeBron James often jokes about Michigan.

The loyal Ohio State fan posted his latest post on Friday after leading the Los Angeles Lakers (4-5) to a come-from-behind win over the Phoenix Suns (4-5) in the teams’ NBA in-season tournament debut. -5).

The dig comes as No. 1 Ohio State’s archrival and No. 3 Michigan State coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended for the remaining three games in the Big Ten conference on Friday amid an NCAA investigation into stealing game calls. regular season games. Signals from opponents.

The Republic asked James after the game how Los Angeles overcame a nine-point first-quarter deficit — adding to the team’s lowest first-quarter margin of -74 points in its previous eight games. According to ESPN — and Phoenix’s defense. Sitting next to Anthony Davis, James said they both have some background knowledge of Suns head coach and former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel’s defensive schemes.

Vogel is coaching Los Angeles in the second year of his three-year tenure, leading the team to the 2020 championship in the Orlando bubble.

“I think we know Coach Vogel and his coaching staff, we know he’s going to change the defense, he’s got a lot of defensive schemes, a lot of schemes,” James said. “So it’s just trying to read the game and look at first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter, whatever phase they’re in.”

His closing remarks included “stealing some signals” from Phoenix, teasing “that team up north,” an apparent reference to Michigan State.

“We have some history with Coach Frank, so we were able to have that blueprint to steal some signals. So that was the key to our success,” James said. “The best thing tonight is we were able to get those signals and we’re still able to play on Sunday. “We’re not going to be suspended like that team up north. “

Immediately after Friday’s ruling, Michigan requested a temporary restraining order against the Big Ten in an attempt to block Harbaugh’s suspension. A court hearing on the request is scheduled for next Friday.

Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Sheron Moore will serve as Michigan’s interim head coach, including the Wolverines’ game against ninth-ranked Penn State on Saturday.