Bronny James committed his first flagrant foul amid controversy

Bronny James got to take part in one of his first nationally televised games on Thursday night when the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns met for their preseason meeting. And his 17 minutes on the pitch were quite eventful, as the rookie scored four points and picked up the first flagrant foul of his career (if such things even count in friendlies).

James was whistled for illegal contact in the fourth quarter after he tried to chase Jalen Bridges from behind by shoving him in the air with his hip without showing any interest in passing the ball. In real time, it didn't necessarily look like anything egregious and was initially ruled a common foul, but was upgraded upon further review.

Since it was the preseason and LeBron James was wearing street clothes, we could see him, Kevin Durant and JJ Redick debating whether or not this should have been an offense, which will prepare them well for the regular season.

Like it or not, the NBA definitely doesn't want players doing that to players like Durant and James because it's just a bad business risk. So this will be a shame every time. Especially when a newbie does it.