LeBron James played arguably one of the best games of his career Wednesday night. He willed the Cavs to victory, scoring the team's first 16 points en route to a 46-point, 12-rebound, five-assist, two-steal night. He shot 17 for 24 from the floor, dominated every aspect of the game, and sealed the win down the stretch.
After the game, TNT sideline reporter Allie LaForce asked James about the passing of Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin.
Allie LaForce asks LeBron James about Gregg Popovich's wife, Erin, passing away. Very emotional response. pic.twitter.com/3SdQBi5Zi2
Coach Pop will step away from the Spurs tonight for Game 3 vs. the Warriors following the death of his wife, Erin. Assistant HC Ettore Messina will stand in. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/UXpWGWoYp8
LaForce quickly caught the internet's wrath, as it seemed as if she had blindsided LBJ with a very heavy question right after his game concluded.
Never been a sideline reporter. I know its a tough gig. But dont think that was the right time to ask that question to LeBron about Gregg Popovich's wife. LeBron just finished a game. Had no idea that news/question was coming. Credit to LeBron for handling the question with class
Why would Allie LaForce ask LeBron about Greg Popovich’s wife passing away in the immediate post game interview? Just an absolute bomb to drop on him after a game, and put him on the spot because the news came in during the game.
I am a noted fan of LaForce, but even I didn't like the question. LeBron, however, has publicly defended LaForce. In an Uninterrupted video, he confirmed that she got his permission to ask the question before the interview commenced.
.@KingJames sends his thoughts and prayers to the family of Gregg Popovich, sets record straight on reporter’s question. pic.twitter.com/VCsFuEtFVU
"On my way home from our Game 2 victory. I'm not on social media right now, but I was made aware through some friends through that a question was asked to me post game and a lot of people feel that I was blindsided," LeBron says in the video. "That is absolutely false. Allie LaForce told me that she was going to ask me the question and if it was okay. And once I started talking about it once we were on air, actually my emotions just kinda took over, and that was just my emotions coming straight from my heart about the late Erin Popovich."
Game 3 of the series, which is knotted at one game apiece, is set for 7 p.m. EST in Indiana Friday. It will air on ESPN.
