NBA suspends LeBron James for one game and Isaiah Stewart for two after altercation on Sunday

For the first time in his 19-year career, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been suspended for one game without pay for “recklessly striking” Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart in the face during their altercation at Sunday’s game, ESPN reported.

James will serve his one-game suspension on Tuesday when the Lakers play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

For his role in the incident, Stewart was suspended for two games for “escalating an on-field altercation by repeatedly and aggressively pursuing James.”

Stewart’s suspension begins when the Pistons host the Miami Heat on Tuesday and play the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.

During a routine free throw attempt in the third quarter, James and Stewart tangled arms while jockeying for position, causing James to swing his elbow and hit Stewart, who quickly bled above his eye.

As Stewart was being escorted off the court by his teammates and coaches after a stare-down with James that included some harsh words, he became enraged on the way out. He attempted to run at James several times, knocking over Pistons players, coaches and staff in the process.

Several players and coaches continued to block James and Stewart’s path to ensure the incident did not get further out of control.

For their role in the altercation, Stewart was given two technical fouls and James was given an intentional foul number 2 and both players were ejected.

James and Stewart will both be eligible to play when the Lakers and Pistons meet again in Los Angeles on Sunday.