LeBron James faced a rare ejection on Sunday when he swung his elbow wildly and connected with Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart’s face, bloodying him up and creating a chaotic scene in Detroit.

An enraged Stewart charged after James and attempted to plow his way through the mob of teammates that held him back, ready to throw down. He kept coming, even as the officials got involved, and shouted in James’ direction as he eventually retreated to the bench, his eye covered in blood.

But once he was back at the bench, he charged at James again, creating a scene eerily similar to the early stages of the “Malice at the Palace” 17 years ago in Detroit.

It was his second incident of the month; earlier in November, he got tangled with Blake Griffin under the rim and stood over him as he attempted to get up. His two incidents have painted a picture of him as an instigator, always looking for trouble on the court.

However, his teammates and those close to him say differently. The Athletic called Stewart a “hard worker,” “unselfish” and said his high motor has made him a fan favorite in his two seasons in Detroit.

“I told him, ‘Don’t let this define who you are. It doesn’t define your game whatsoever. Keep your head (up) and don’t get a reputation afterward,’” Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said after the game. “I feel for the young man because he’s such a competitor and plays so hard. He’s a great kid. He felt like he got a cheap shot across his brow. On the street, it would be a different story.

“It’s no reflection on who Isaiah Stewart is whatsoever.”

Stewart was drafted 16th overall by the Trail Blazers in 2020 after one year at the University of Washington. Portland then traded him to the Pistons, and he appeared in 68 games last season. He is averaging 23.7 minutes per game this season, with 7.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.

The Lakers won the game, 121-116, though the final score was almost irrelevant after the chaos that ensued on the court.