Memphis Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks ejected for hitting LeBron James in groin

Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks was ejected 17 seconds into the third quarter of Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday after being called for a Flagrant 2 foul against LeBron James.

Brooks appeared to hit James in the groin while trying to reach in for the basketball. James laid on the floor for most of the ensuing review by the officials, who deemed the foul a Flagrant 2 foul and ejection after review.

The official announcing the ejection called the contact "unnecessary and excessive," which meets the Flagrant 2 criteria.

"The officials made a call," Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said about the ejection.

Brooks, who called James "old" after the Game 2 win Wednesday in Memphis, struggled to 3-of-13 shooting before the ejection. LA led by 16 at the time of Brooks' ejection. He declined to speak following the game.

The Grizzlies starting guard led the NBA with 18 technical fouls in the regular season.

Brooks was ejected from Game 2 of the 2022 Western Conference semifinal series against Golden State for a hard foul that injured Warriors guard Gary Payton II. Brooks was later suspended for Game 3 in that series for the incident.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks ejected for hitting LeBron James in groin