Lakers' LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma warned for violating NBA's anti-flopping policy

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma received warnings from the NBA for violating the league's anti-flopping policy during their win against the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night. 

The NBA confirmed the warnings in a series of tweets on Saturday afternoon.

James' warning was due to a play during the second quarter of the game. Anthony Davis missed a 3-point shot and on the rebound, James fell to the floor. A foul was called on Memphis guard Dillon Brooks, resulting in two made free throws by James.

In the fourth quarter, Brooks was dribbling down the paint and Kuzma tried to draw an offensive foul as he spun around and fell on the baseline. No foul was called on Brooks or Kuzma, but league found it to be flop.

Implemented in 2012, the anti-flopping policy is meant to, "to curb the unsportsmanlike practice known as 'flopping'," according to the NBA.

The first offense results in warning from the league, such as in the case of James and Kuzma. Further violations result in fines, as outlined by the league:

Second violation: $5,000 fine

Third violation: $10,000 fine

Fourth violation: $15,000 fine

Fifth violation: $30,000 fine

Any violation after the fifth is subject to the NBA's discretion, which could result in more fines and/or suspensions. 

This isn't James first violation of the rule. He was fined $5,000 when he was with the Miami Heat in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. The last player fined for flopping was Marcus Smart in Game 2 of the 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals. He was fined $5,000.