NBA Breaks Silence After Controversial LeBron James Moment in Lakers' Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brett Gendoes | Last updated Jan 6, 2025 5:02 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets on Sunday night after nearly erasing a 22-point deficit. Outscoring Houston 40-24 in the third quarter, Los Angeles was led by LeBron James who scored 14 of his 21 points in that frame.

Unable to complete the comeback, the Lakers fell to 20-15 on the season while Houston improved to 23-12. This contest was not without controversy, as the Lakers committed a turnover on their final possession while James was seemingly trying to call a timeout.

"LeBron James wasn’t granted a timeout - ball comes into a play a frame after this. Lakers turn it over and will go on to lose," Dan Woike of the LA Times wrote on X.

LeBron James wasn’t granted a timeout - ball comes into a play a frame after this. Lakers turn it over and will go on to lose pic.twitter.com/D6sOmNdmfh
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) January 6, 2025

The NBA released a Last Two Minute Report for this game, breaking its silence on the controversial final play for Los Angeles.

"VanVleet (HOU) cleanly steals the pass away from James (LAL) and any ensuing contact is incidental," the NBA wrote. "James signals for a timeout while the pass is in the air and the Lakers are not in possession of the ball and therefore, the timeout request is not granted."

James finished the night with 21 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists in the loss. The 40-year-old forward is now averaging 24.0 points, 8.9 assists and 7.6 rebounds in his 22nd NBA season.

This was a frustrating loss for the Lakers, and they will remain in Texas to face the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night.

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

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