LeBron James nearly caused the second Malice after elbowing Pistons center Isaiah Stewart in the face

During the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Detroit Pistons, LeBron James nearly caused the second Malice at the Palace by elbowing Pistons' center Isaiah Stewart in the face. Russell Westbrook received a technical foul, while James and Stewart were both dismissed from the game.  

The public address announcer at Little Caesars Arena urged supporters to stay in their seats throughout the event.

LeBron and Isaiah Stewart get into it 😳

Wow. pic.twitter.com/VJFntCo6cY

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2021

On a free throw, James elbowed Stewart in the face, swiping at him in an apparent attempt to deflect Stewart's attempt to box out. Stewart's face was injured by the elbow, resulting in a physical brawl instigated by Stewart, who attempted to approach James. They were both held back by a number of players and coaches. Westbrook attempted to approach Stewart but was stopped by two Lakers coaches.

Following their separation, Stewart charged at James but was stopped by coaches and teammate Cade Cunningham. Stewart made one final attempt to confront James face-to-face after being transferred to the opposite side of the court, knocking over a Pistons coach but was restrained.

James was playing in his second game back after an eight-game layoff. A suspension is almost certain to follow, further marginalizing him and causing additional problems for a struggling Lakers squad. Stewart, on the other hand, had appeared in all 16 of Detroit's games this season, but he nearly missed this one due to an ankle injury.

A replay of LeBron hitting Isaiah Stewart: pic.twitter.com/lyOYPtKyD5

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 22, 2021

Following this occurrence, the league will very definitely contact James and Stewart. The Pistons had a 99-84 advantage over the Lakers heading into the fourth quarter.