Beverley reveals LeBron's explicit reaction to blown call

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Beverley reveals LeBron James' explicit locker room reaction to blown call against Celtics

By Colum Dell | Last updated 1/30/23

On “The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone ," Lakers guard Patrick Beverley admitted LeBron James had a profane response to how regulation ended following Saturday's 125-121 controversial loss to Boston.

James drove to the rim in an attempt to win the game for the Lakers with seconds left in regulation. He was then smacked on the arm by Jayson Tatum. However, there was not a foul called, forcing overtime, where the Lakers eventually lost.

The non-call triggered a very animated response from James and prompted Beverley to come to his defense. The fiery guard received an all-time technical foul in the process.

LeBron was not happy after this play to win the game. pic.twitter.com/FNMPBQTHox
— ESPN (@espn) January 29, 2023

Patrick Beverley really brought a camera out to the floor pic.twitter.com/7hMugg7BaN
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 29, 2023

"I told [James] in the locker room, 'I've been around you 13, 14 years. I ain't never seen you react like that.' He's like, 'Pat, I ain't gonna lie, I almost lost my s***," Beverley said to co-host Adam Ferrone, "With all due respect, he should have, though. He should have done more."

Crew chief Eric Lewis acknowledged that the referees missed the foul after the game. Even the NBA officials' Twitter account issued a statement on the "gut-wrenching" blown call.

Like everyone else, referees make mistakes. We made one at the end of last night’s game and that is gut-wrenching for us. This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be.https://t.co/WyN8QVuTOl
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) January 29, 2023

Beverley added it's "demoralizing" that there aren't enough conversations about James' historic season and legacy because of the Lakers' underwhelming 23-27 record.

The 38-year-old James is averaging 30.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game this season. He's closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record (38,387 points), which he will likely surpass by All-Star weekend.

Last week, James matched Abdul-Jabbar's record for All-Star appearances with his 19th selection.

It'll be challenging for the 13th-seeded Lakers to claw back into play-in tournament territory, especially if they're not getting blatant fouls called in their favor.

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