LeBron James has expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating across the NBA following his team’s narrow defeat against the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers’ superstar believes that the inconsistent and questionable calls have contributed to the team’s struggles this season.
The NBA has endorsed the officiating decisions made by officials during the final two minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 101-99 playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. The Lakers, who led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter, lodged complaints after the game, including a buzzer-beating shot by Denver’s Jamal Murray and a foul called on LeBron James late in the game. The NBA’s two-minute report, which evaluates officiating decisions made late in games, identified only one error: Nikola Jokic should have been called for a defensive three-second violation with 1:53 remaining in the game. The report also confirmed that the foul called on James was correct, as he extended his forearm and initiated contact with Murray. The Lakers also protested a non-shooting foul called on Michael Porter Jr. late in the third quarter, which was overturned after a challenge by Nuggets coach Michael Malone. LeBron James expressed frustration with the replay center that reviews contested calls, questioning its effectiveness. Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the tough calls and non-calls, emphasizing the inconsistency in officiating during the season and playoffs.
The NBA has come under fire in recent days due to controversial officiating calls and an incident involving Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic’s brother. In Philadelphia, the 76ers are furious after they believe they were robbed of a victory in Game 2 of their playoff series against the New York Knicks. The league admitted that Tyrese Maxey was fouled twice before the Knicks took the lead with a 3-pointer, and that 76ers coach Nick Nurse attempted to call two timeouts that were not granted. Meanwhile, in Denver, police are investigating an incident in which Jokic’s brother was seen punching a fan after the Nuggets’ victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. And in Los Angeles, LeBron James expressed his frustration with the NBA’s replay center after a controversial foul call against the Lakers in their loss to the Nuggets.
A recent NBA player poll conducted by The Athletic asked 142 players to vote on who they consider to be the greatest basketball player of all time. Michael Jordan and LeBron James emerged as the top contenders, with Jordan receiving 45.9% of the votes and James receiving 42.1%. This marks the first time in the poll’s history that Jordan’s lead over James has narrowed significantly. The poll began in 2019, with Jordan initially receiving 73% of the votes to James’ 11.9%. The gap widened in 2023, with Jordan receiving 58.3% of the votes to James’ 33%.
LeBron James voiced his frustration after the Lakers’ loss to the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, questioning why a foul was not called on a crucial play in the final seconds. James was mic’d up for the game, and his audio was leaked to the public, revealing his heated exchange with the officials. The missed foul, which occurred on a layup attempt by James with 48 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, could have significantly altered the outcome of the game. Had the foul been called and James made the extra point, the Nuggets would have been down by only one point, and the Lakers would have had a chance to tie or win the game. Additionally, the missed call would have put Murray at five personal fouls, limiting his defensive effectiveness and potentially preventing him from hitting the game-winning shot.
LeBron James expressed frustration with the NBA’s replay center following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 101-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday night. James believes a foul called on Michael Porter Jr. that was overturned in the second half cost the Lakers the game. He also questioned the overturned foul call on Jamal Murray earlier in the game and the replay center’s decision not to overturn a foul call against Tyrese Maxey in an earlier game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Lakers’ 101-99 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 has put them in a 2-0 hole in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series. Despite a strong start, the Lakers struggled offensively in the second half and missed key shots down the stretch. Denver’s defense also proved to be a challenge, limiting the Lakers’ scoring opportunities and forcing them into mistakes. The loss has raised questions about the Lakers’ ability to recover in the series and whether LeBron James can still lead them to victory.
The Denver Nuggets pulled off a stunning 101-99 Game 2 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. Jamal Murray’s clutch fadeaway jumper at the buzzer sealed the comeback win for the Nuggets, who overcame a 20-point deficit and held the Lakers to just 40 points in the second half.
Analyst Skip Bayless has slammed Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James for his lackluster performance in Game 2 of their playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. James was criticized for being “lifeless” in the fourth quarter, contributing to the Lakers’ defeat. Bayless highlighted James’ recent struggles in fourth quarters, referencing his poor shooting performance against the Nuggets last year.
LeBron James vented his anger at the NBA’s replay center after the Los Angeles Lakers lost 101-99 to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their playoff series. James was particularly upset about a foul on Michael Porter Jr. that was overturned, as well as a missed foul call on Tyrese Maxey in the earlier game between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. The Lakers head to Los Angeles for Game 3 in a 2-0 deficit.
