Paige Spiranac’s cheeky jab at LeBron James after victory over Golden State

LeBron James was the hero in Thursday’s enthralling victory, but Paige Spiranac couldn’t resist the opportunity to poke fun at the NBA icon.

LeBron James and Paige Spiranac.

Golf sensation Paige Spiranac has taken a cheeky jab at NBA great LeBron James after his final quarter heroics against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday AEST.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured their place in the NBA Playoffs with a 103-100 victory over the Warriors at the Staples Centre, with plenty of drama unfolding in the final term.

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Late in the fourth quarter, James was inadvertently palmed in the eye by Draymond Green while attempting a layup.

The 36-year-old immediately fell to the ground in agony, covering his eyes and sporadically grabbing at his leg.

Match officials eventually classified the incident as a common foul, and James was awarded two free throws.

Although there was plenty of speculation on whether it should be have been called a flagrant foul, several pundits mocked James for potentially being slightly overdramatic.

But Spiranac delivered the most damning blow on Twitter: “Space Jam 2 is going be great. LeBron is a superb actor.”

pic.twitter.com/uQ0XmQbKIn

— The Jump on ESPN (@NBATheJump) May 20, 2021

LeBron such a drama king. My god

— Vincent Frank (@VincentFrankNFL) May 20, 2021

Bron being a little dramatic, right?

— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) May 20, 2021

READ MORE: The playoff pain driving Ingles

Incredibly, it was James who delivered the match-winning shot a few minutes later, scoring a clutch three-pointer with 58.2 seconds on the clock from well beyond the arc.

“After Draymond’s finger to the eye, I was literally seeing three rims out there. I just shot at the middle one,” James explained after the three-point win.

“With the grace of the man above, I was able to knock it down.”

The moment ultimately sealed victory for the Lakers, who will now take on the Phoenix Suns in round one of the Playoffs.

James finished the match with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, while Golden State guard Steph Curry registered a game-high 37 points.

After blowing a 13-point lead at halftime, the Warriors will need to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies for a spot in the Playoffs.

LEBRON FROM WAY DOWNTOWN TO PUT THE @LAKERS AHEAD FOR GOOD! pic.twitter.com/DbMStzlAVg

— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2021

Originally published as Paige Spiranac’s cheeky jab at LeBron James after victory over Golden State