Frustration boiled over for LeBron James after the Los Angeles Lakers squandered a golden opportunity against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
While acknowledging the team’s missed shots and the Nuggets’ resurgence, James’s ire was primarily directed at the NBA’s replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey. He questioned a reversed foul call on Michael Porter Jr. and referenced a disputed no-call in the New York Knicks’ victory over the Philadelphia 76ers earlier on Monday.
“I don’t understand what’s going on in the replay center, to be honest,” James said. “D’Angelo Russell clearly gets hit in the face on the drive. What the (expletive) do we have a replay center … it doesn’t make sense.”
James, who finished with 26 points and 12 assists, rued the missed 3-pointer that could have given the Lakers the lead late in the game. Anthony Davis, who had been effective throughout the game, was beaten by Jamal Murray on the game-winning fadeaway shot.
Despite the setback, James emphasized the need for focus and determination heading into Game 3 in Los Angeles. “Every game is its own challenge,” he said. “We still got great looks and we just missed them. And they made it.”
James acknowledged the frustration of the heartbreaking loss but remained resolute. “Of course it’s a heartbreaking game and you don’t want to lose in that fashion,” he said.
The Lakers now face an uphill battle in the series, trailing 2-0. They will look to regroup and regain their composure in Game 3 on Thursday night.
