LeBron and Phil Handy clash mid-game after a miscommunication during a critical play, with leaked audio capturing the intense moment.
During a game on January 2, 2022, between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, leaked audio captured a heated argument between LeBron James and Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. The incident unfolded during the second quarter when LeBron attempted to make a critical play but found his teammate, Avery Bradley, distracted, leading to an emotional exchange with Handy.
LeBron James: “Hey Phil, Hey Phil. Why couldn’t you wait until halftime though coach? He was wide open right now for a layup.”
“Phil Handy: “He was talking to me.”
LeBron James: “Leave him alone until f***ing halftime.”
Phil Handy: “Don’t be coming at me like that.”
LeBron James: “You’re always f***ing with everybody, bro? Why couldn’t you wait until f***ing halftime?”
LEAKED Audio Of LeBron James Getting Heated At Phil Handy In 2022👀:
LeBron: “Why couldn’t you wait until f*cking halftime?”
Handy: “Don’t be coming at me like that”
LeBron: “You’re always f*cking with everybody, bro” pic.twitter.com/G5bw0Z4D4F
— LegendZ (@legendz_nba) September 15, 2024
The root of LeBron’s frustration stemmed from a specific moment in the game. After a Timberwolves free throw, LeBron quickly took the ball out to make a deep pass with only seconds left on the clock. He noticed Bradley open on the other side of the court but hesitated because Bradley was distracted, talking to Handy. This led LeBron to throw the ball to Trevor Ariza, who couldn’t get a shot off in time. The missed opportunity sparked the confrontation between LeBron and Handy.
Despite the heated exchange, the Lakers managed to pull off a 108-103 victory over the Timberwolves. LeBron led the way with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Malik Monk also contributed significantly with 22 points, while Russell Westbrook added 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The leaked audio showcased LeBron’s competitive intensity and his frustration over a miscommunication that, in his view, could have been avoided. However, the Lakers’ victory, fueled by strong performances from their star players, helped ease tensions as they fought their way through a challenging season.
