VIDEO: JaVale McGee Claims He's Actually Hurt After Apparently Faking Injury in Lakers-Warriors
By Jerry Trotta
JaVale McGee pulled off quite the stunt during the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason tilt against the on Wednesday. In the third quarter, the 31-year-old big man appeared to injure his leg on a play and proceeded to limp off the court underneath the basket. His defender, Draymond Green, abandoned the coverage and McGee subsequently ran back onto the hardwood to catch a pass from Anthony Davis and throw down an easy dunk. It was simply one of the most successful deception tricks that we've seen attempted in the NBA, but The Big Secret surprisingly disclosed after Thursday's practice that he actually hurt himself on the play and is still feeling discomfort in his knee.
JaVale is largely considered a goon and klutz on the court, especially with the ball in his hands, but we have to give credit where it's due. As it turns out, he didn't violate the Association's unwritten rule on etiquette and even worked through an apparent injury to score a bucket for his squad.
When you watch the play in real time, it's easy to come to terms with why the bulk of those watching assumed that McGee briefly milked an injury.
Love him or hate him, McGee is absolutely (still) one of the league's most hilarious figures. Whenever he makes headlines, it's often under the most bizarre and ridiculous of circumstances.