Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James tried unsuccessfully to get the referees to change a call during a close 108-106 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The game-changing call was so crucial that James went all the way to the replay table to show the officiating crew that he was behind the 3-point line when he made a key shot to potentially tie the game at 107 with about two seconds to go.
A moment before, James drained a seeming 3-point shot that would’ve potentially sent the game to overtime, the officiating crew called it a 2-point shot instead, insisting that James stepped over the line on the attempt.
The Lakers star was not pleased with that ruling in the slightest, as he tried to show the refs at the replay screen how his foot was, indeed, behind the line.
This LeBron James bucket was called a two after further review 😲 pic.twitter.com/6fudDbdlL0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 31, 2023
LeBron James was beside himself after referees called his potentially game-tying shot a two-pointer.
Was it the right call?
🎥 @br_bettingpic.twitter.com/lWx2Yz3GIt
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 31, 2023
The referees upheld the call, and the Lakers couldn’t get the margin closed to secure a victory with only a little time left in the game.
James didn’t relent in his postgame press conference about the ruling, either, maintaining that he made a clear 3-point shot.
LeBron James: “What’s the point of having replay if even the replay gets it wrong?” pic.twitter.com/gOyctVZUZH
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 31, 2023
While it’s all history now, it’s possible James could pick up a fine for his comments on the game’s officiating, which would add insult to injury on the call that he couldn’t swing the other way.
