Solomon Hill sparks Twitter feud with Lakers fans over LeBron James collision, defending himself and expressing love for the NBA star.
Solomon Hill, the former Atlanta Hawks player, engaged in a heated exchange on Twitter with Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James fans two years after his collision with James resulted in an ankle injury for the Lakers star. Responding to a Lakers fan’s criticism, who suggested Hill no longer deserved a spot in the NBA, Hill delivered a crass rejoinder, calling the fan:
“Lec***swallower.”
u don't deserve a spot after what u did on bron.
— Wins (@Karma_online109) November 24, 2023
This sparked a lengthy back-and-forth between Hill and multiple LeBron James supporters.
While Lakers fans expressed anger and blamed Hill for LeBron’s injury, the 32-year-old player defended himself by stating that he had already contributed significantly during his time in the league. Despite the tension, Hill claimed he respected and loved LeBron James even more than the fans in question.
He maintained an unapologetic stance, suggesting that the incident was a result of an in-game mistake and emphasizing that he had no intention of insulting anyone. Despite the continued backlash, Hill appears to have moved on from the incident, asserting his status as a LeBron fan himself.
LeBron James’ Injury Destroyed Lakers’ Repeat Chances
LeBron James’ injury during the 2020-2021 NBA season dealt a severe blow to the Los Angeles Lakers’ hopes of repeating as champions. The Lakers entered the season as favorites to defend their title, displaying dominance until injuries disrupted their roster.
The first setback came when Anthony Davis suffered an injury shortly after Christmas. Despite Davis’ absence, LeBron James continued to carry the team, showcasing his unstoppable prowess. The Lakers managed to maintain their standing in the Western Conference, holding onto the second spot despite the initial setback.
However, the turning point occurred during a game against the Atlanta Hawks. In a collision with Solomon Hill, LeBron James sustained an ankle injury that sidelined him for a significant stretch. The impact was profound, with LeBron missing 20 games and the Lakers subsequently plummeting from the second seed to the seventh in the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers’ descent continued as they found themselves in the play-in tournament, a scenario inconceivable earlier in the season when they were viewed as prime contenders for the championship. LeBron’s absence not only affected the team’s regular-season performance but also disrupted the chemistry crucial for playoff success.
Heading into the postseason with LeBron and Davis both dealing with injuries, the Lakers faced a daunting challenge. The lack of cohesion and the absence of their star players were evident as the Lakers bowed out in the first round against the Phoenix Suns. This early elimination marked a significant and unexpected turn of events, as it was the first time LeBron James had been eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs in his illustrious career.
The injury-riddled season exposed the Lakers’ vulnerability and underscored the importance of health and continuity in pursuit of an NBA championship. LeBron’s injury not only derailed their title defense but also raised questions about the team’s ability to regroup and contend in the seasons to come.