Referee J.T. Orr, left, assesses technical fouls to Houston Rockets head coach About Ime Udoka, center, and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. Udoka was ejected from the game as that was his second technical foul. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)AP

With 8:35 left in the fourth quarter of the Rockets’ game against the Lakers, Ime Udoka appeared to have some choice words for LeBron James. Referee J.T. Orr was right next to them hearing the conversation as whatever was said resulted in a double technical foul for both of them.

While it was James’ first tech of the game, Udoka received his second of the night as he was ejected from the contest. The Lakers went on to beat the Rockets 107-97 in Los Angeles. Here’s a look at the interaction as caught by the television cameras.

After the game, both Udoka and James were asked about the altercation.

“Thanksgiving,” James said of their conversation. “How much we enjoy Thanksgiving.”

“They didn’t like what they heard,” Udoka said.

The Rockets were a pleasant surprise earlier this season, but they have slipped recently to an 8-9 record in Udoka’s first season at the helm. Udoka was set to lead the Celtics after a successful 2021-22 season where he led them to the NBA Finals. But after violating team policies, he was suspended from the C’s just days before training camp opened up then eventually dismissed later on in the season.

After taking all of last season off, he was hired by the Rockets to lead their franchise starting with the 2023-24 season. Houston had low expectations this season, but it did add free agent pieces like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks into the fold. Meanwhile, the Celtics are 15-4 on the season with second-year coach Joe Mazzulla leading the way.