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“Better to Fine LeBron for Throwing Luka Under the Bus” – Fans Erupt Over Desmond Bane’s $25,000 Penalty for Throwing Ball Into Stands vs Lakers


The NBA announced on Thursday that Desmond Bane was fined $25,000 for throwing the ball into the stands against the LA Lakers. Bane got overly excited after the Orlando Magic pulled off a win over the Lakers on Tuesday. Fans online erupted about the punishment, but some still managed to take a shot at the Lakers.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the NBA released a statement confirming Bane’s punishment for throwing the ball into the stands. The Magic guard heaved the ball to the other side of the court, reaching the fans, at the conclusion of their 110-109 victory against the Lakers.

Bane was ecstatic after the win, finishing with 22 points and six assists. He knocked down a clutch 3-point shot late, but it was Wendell Carter Jr. who made the go-ahead basket with around six seconds remaining. Luka Doncic passed up an open shot and gave the ball to LeBron James, who missed a tough shot at the buzzer.

NBA fans quickly reacted to the punishment handed out to Desmond Bane. Some were baffled since it was not an aggressive throw, while others just took the time to take a shot at LeBron James and Luka Doncic for seemingly blaming each other after their loss.

Here are some of the best comments on X.

Better to fine LeBron for throwing Luka under the bus

This is the most new generation NBA thing I have ever heard of

25k for spiking the ball after a clutch road W over the Lakers 😭 ​Bane celebrating like he just won the chip and the league hits him with the safety first tax. ​That’s like 3% of one check bro, he’ll be aight 😂

Knowing Lakers fans, I’d bet you they deserved it

You guys are just milking people for their money

So celebrating a win is now a bad thing?

Desmond Bane has been a fine addition to the Orlando Magic this season. He struggled early in the campaign, but has found his rhythm since. However, the Magic remains bitten by the injury bug, though they’re still fighting for a top-six spot in the East.

As for the Lakers, LeBron James and Luka Doncic have no other choice but to move past what happened. Doncic has already shouldered the blame for being reluctant to take the game-winning shot and putting James in a tough position.

Real reason why Desmond Bane was fined revealed

Some fans were right to question why Desmond Bane was fined for heaving the ball to the other side of the court at the end of the game. It was a seemingly harmless move that should have no consequences under normal circumstances.

However, Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register reported that a fan sitting courtside under the basket was hit right in the head by the ball Bane threw. It was an accident, but the league has to prioritize fan safety.

The punishment was likely made to deter Bane or any other player from doing it again.