LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 19, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Lakers' Carmelo Anthony Talks Viral Free-Throw Violation: 'That Was Funny as Hell'

Erin WalshOct 21, 2021

In the Los Angeles Lakers' 121-114 season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Carmelo Anthony committed a free-throw violation in the third quarter, causing many onlookers to infer he pump-faked the ball.

He was seen cracking up afterward:

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We now have clarity on what happened, as the 37-year-old explained to reporters Thursday: "That was funny as hell. It wasn't really a pump-fake. ... I went up and the ball hit my forehead, so if I'd have continued, it would have been an air-ball. So I was like, 'I'm not taking the air-ball.' ... I'd rather take the violation than the air-ball."

Anthony finished his Lakers debut with nine points on 3-of-9 shooting, hitting 2-of-4 from three.