"Bro fake coughing, I’m weak": Fans slam 'fraud' LeBron James for illness 'excuse' after forgettable game against Suns

Hoops fans criticized LeBron James for his post-game comments following the Lakers' 109-105 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

LeBron had a rough performance, which contributed to the Lakers' first defeat of the season. Reflecting on his worst shooting game in 17 years, LeBron told reporters he had been dealing with an illness since Friday.

"I've been better, you'll hear it in my voice," the four-time NBA champion said.

Fans slammed the 20-time All-Star for what they saw as making excuses for his underwhelming performance against longtime rival Kevin Durant. While one fan called LeBron "fraud," numerous others targetted him for making excuses.

"Always an excuse with this fraud," a fan wrote.

"Bro fake coughing, I’m weak," said another.

"Imagine making excuses like this just days after vowing to play all 82-games, no way he makes it," commented another fan.

"Got locked up by Dunn and now he’s sick all of a sudden," another fan commented.

"Cmon the fake cough Bron. Be serious gang it’s okay to shoot a tour date," another fan wrote.

"Bro is always coming up with excuses man. He loves the attention," said another.

LeBron had a miserable game, scoring just 11 points on 3 of 14 shooting, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. The four-time NBA MVP shot a dismal 21.4% from the field, marking his lowest field goal percentage in a game since Halloween 2007. He also missed three of six free throw attempts while adding five rebounds and eight assists.

LeBron James through four games

LeBron James has had an average start to his 22nd season in the NBA. Aside from his fourth-quarter surge against the Sacramento Kings, the 20-time All-Star has been relatively quiet on the court, with Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura stepping up to carry much of the offensive load.

LeBron is currently averaging 20 points per game on 44.6% shooting, including 39.1% from beyond the arc, along with 7.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.

The Lakers superstar will have an opportunity to bounce back from his tough game against the Suns when JJ Redick’s team takes on LeBron’s former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Wednesday.