Why LeBron James Pushed His Coach Out of the Way

The superstar had a good reason for shoving coach David Blatt.

ByABC News
January 14, 2015, 2:40 AM
Head coach David Blatt of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to referee Eric Lewis as LeBron James holds him back during the an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on January 13, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Head coach David Blatt of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to referee Eric Lewis as LeBron James holds him back during the an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on January 13, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

— -- Basketball star LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup Tuesday after a two-week injury absence -- and he's already drawing attention after he was seen pushing head coach David Blatt during Tuesday’s game.

The situation occurred during the second quarter of Cleveland’s 107-100 loss to the Suns, when James was called for a foul.

James ran to referee Eric Lewis to contest the call. As James spoke with Lewis, Blatt approached the pair, at which point James pushed his coach out of the way.

The push drew attention online. But according to James, he was simply trying to keep his coach from receiving a technical foul. Blatt reiterated that point following the game, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

James scored 33 points in the loss, which dropped Cleveland to 19-20 on the season.