Josh Giddey’s week might have just gone from bad to worse, as he was posterized by LeBron James amid allegations of his involvement in an improper relationship, despite the Thunder blowing out the Lakers, 110-133.
James, 38, dunked over Oklahoma City’s 21-year-old, Australian guard in the second quarter of Thursday night’s game at Paycom Center, with the Thunder leading by 8 points (52-60), at the time.
‘LeBron with a head of steam…here comes the tray, down the track, throw it down ‘Bron,’ said one of the Lakers’ Spectrum SportsNet’s commentators, as the crowd went wild, showing their appreciation for the four-time NBA champion.
Giddey, who had 14 points and nine rebounds against L.A., didn’t exactly stumble when James went for the spectacular, but it was bad enough for OKC’s No. 3 to be virtually given no support from his team’s own set of fans.
The embarrassing highlight comes a day after the Newport Beach, California, Police Department said that its detectives are conducting an investigation into accusations that the sixth overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft had an improper relationship with an underage girl.
Lebron James dunked over turmoiled OKC Thunder guard Josh Giddey in the second quarter
The Aussie still managed to knock down 14 points along with his nine rebounds and two assists
In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user last week said a girl who is seen with Giddey in sexually explicit videos and photos was a high school junior at the time. The social media account has since been deactivated.
Giddey reached what is considered to be ‘adult age’ in the U.S. in October.
The Newport Beach Police said in a news release that it is ‘actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case.’
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said Wednesday the league’s investigation is ongoing.
‘We are aware of the report regarding the Newport Beach Police Department’s inquiry,’ he said. ‘We are continuing to gather information.’
The teen at the center of the inappropriate relationship has refused to cooperate with police.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has remained supportive of his third-year 21-year-old guard
Giddey, who’s at risk of losing his $40million, Weet-Bix sponsorship, has declined to comment on the situation so far. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault had no comment before Tuesday’s game at Minnesota, though he did say in the past that the player, who’s agent just got fired, has the right to play until a conclusion has been reached in the investigation.
The Thunder did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment on Thursday.
Giddey is averaging 12 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game for an OKC team that is off to a 12-6 start. He has started all three games since the accusations were made — losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves, before the win against the Lakers.
He was mostly cheered during starter introductions at home against Philadelphia, but he was booed and heckled throughout the road game against Minnesota.
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