NBA Announces Decision on LeBron James Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 5:52 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 105-101 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, dropping to 23-13. LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing consecutive games and finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Luka Doncic added 24 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, while the Lakers saw a late rally fall short after struggling to contain Milwaukee down the stretch. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 21 points, and Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 22, including crucial free throws in the final minute that helped seal the win.

The game turned in the closing moments, with controversy surrounding a pivotal sequence in the final 40 seconds. With the score tied at 101, James drove to the basket looking to give Los Angeles the lead, but Antetokounmpo rotated over and met him at the rim, blocking the attempt. The play immediately sparked debate, with Lakers players and fans questioning whether James was fouled on the drive.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34).Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Moments later, the Bucks capitalized at the other end after Doncic was whistled for a foul on Porter Jr. while contesting a three-point shot. The call fouled Doncic out of the game and sent Porter Jr. to the line for three free throws, two of which he converted to put Milwaukee ahead for good.

Following the game, the NBA addressed the decisive block in its official Last Two Minute Report, ruling that Antetokounmpo legally blocked James and that no foul occurred on the play.

The league’s decision came after James shared a close-up image of the sequence on his Instagram stories accompanied by a emoji, further amplifying discussion around the call. While Antetokounmpo’s block was deemed clean, the photo appeared to show contact from Bucks center Myles Turner during the play, which James seemed to believe warranted a foul.

The NBA says that Giannis Antetokounmpo legally blocked LeBron James pic.twitter.com/0y357Tyake
— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) January 10, 2026

The controversial officiating moments capped a frustrating night for Los Angeles, which has now lost six of its last 10 games, although it still holds the fifth-best record in the Western Conference.

The Lakers will have little time to dwell on the decision, as they are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, where they will look to respond with a sharper finish and return back to winning ways.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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