Following a disheartening 101-99 defeat in Game 2 of their opening-round playoff matchup versus the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James joined the chorus of Los Angeles Lakers players criticizing the officiating in his postgame remarks.
Expressing bewilderment, James remarked, “I don’t comprehend what’s happening in the replay center, to be frank.”
Throughout the season, James has repeatedly voiced his discontent with the league’s replay system, citing instances such as his foot being deemed on the 3-point line in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and being ruled out of bounds in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.
In the Monday night game in Denver, his focus was on a shooting foul called against Michael Porter Jr. on D’Angelo Russell late in the third quarter, which was reversed after Nuggets coach Michael Malone challenged the call.
“D-Lo clearly gets hit in the face on a drive,” James asserted. “What’s the point of having a replay center if it leads to outcomes like this? It’s nonsensical to me.”
Russell echoed James’ sentiment, stating after the game, “That’s a foul; we all saw it on national television.”
With the Lakers holding a 79-69 lead with 39.5 seconds left in the third quarter, the overturned foul erased two free throw attempts for Russell, a player who boasted an 82.8% free throw accuracy rate during the season.
The significance of this missed opportunity was magnified by the game’s conclusion: Jamal Murray’s game-winning fadeaway jumper at the buzzer secured Denver a two-point victory and a 2-0 series lead.
Crew chief Scott Foster announced that Porter’s contact was “marginal,” leading to the call being overturned. Additionally, a Lakers source revealed that James’ foul on Murray, which awarded the Nuggets guard two crucial free throws, could also be considered “marginal contact.”
James continued to express his frustration, stating, “It’s illogical to me. It vexes me… And then I witnessed what occurred in the Sixers-Knicks game too. Like, what are we doing?”
As James concluded his remarks and headed towards the exit, he added, “It’s absurd.”
While the Lakers had a 19-6 advantage in free throw attempts in Game 1, Denver held a 17-13 edge in attempts in Game 2.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham also highlighted Anthony Davis‘ foul trouble, with Davis picking up his fourth foul in the third quarter, limiting his playing time and affecting his performance.
With Davis hindered by fouls, Denver capitalized on the opportunity, mounting a comeback from a 20-point deficit in the third quarter.
Jokic, with an impressive stat line of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists, posed a significant threat, especially in the absence of Davis guarding him.
In the fourth quarter, the Lakers struggled, with James being the lone bright spot, while the rest of the team faltered.
Despite a valiant effort, the Lakers fell short, and the series now shifts to their home court, where they aim to end their losing streak against the Nuggets.
As the Lakers regroup for Game 3, Davis emphasized the importance of securing a victory, while Russell expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back.
Reflecting on the loss, Davis acknowledged areas needing improvement, emphasizing the team’s lapses on both ends of the court.
Looking ahead, the focus for the Lakers lies in preparation and determination to alter the series’ trajectory in their favor.
