The controversial call at the end of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves has the basketball world talking. Adding superstar LeBron James‘ comments to the situation quickly makes things even more interesting.
LeBron James was asked in the locker room by Dave McMenamin of ESPN after the game about the controversial call. He had this to say;
It's obviously a 3. My foot was behind the line. You could see the space between my foot and the 3-point line. Stevie Wonder could see that, champ.
LeBron goes on to add that he talked to one of the referees after the call was confirmed to be a 2-point shot. He added;
He said it was out of their hands. It is with the replay center. Someone over there with a ham sandwich made the call. What’s the point of having replay if even the replay gets it wrong?
James was referring to the clear video evidence which shows his foot is a fraction behind the line. Had the decision been positive for the Lakers, they would have headed into the last couple of seconds of the game tied at 106.
This would have led to an increasing level of pressure on the Timberwolves instead of the Lakers. The Lakers would not have to resort to fouling. Rather, defense would have become the primary necessity for the Lakers.
They eventually lost the game 106-108 despite Anthony Davis putting up 33 points, 17 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. LeBron James added 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Minnesota Timberwolves were led by Anthony Edwards who had 31 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Los Angeles Lakers and their issues with referees
Generally, the most storied franchise in the history of the NBA gets a lot of attention from fans, opponents, and the media. But referees also come into the limelight whenever calls controversially go for or against the Lakers. This call will surely be called out a lot by members of the basketball community.
During the initial parts of this season, LeBron James and the Lakers were vocal about not getting enough calls from referees. Then in games such as against Houston, referee calls were the reason for the confrontation between Rockets coach Ime Udoka and James. Similar outbursts have been utterly common this season.
It seems the latest call, therefore, only adds to the growing list. Heading into the new year, this is the last thing the league wanted fans and the media to talk about.
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