LeBron James lashes out at NBA referees for controversial foul scenarios during recent LA Lakers games: “Frustrating as hell, man!”
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost their Sunday night's contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. In the end, the Eastern Conference team prevailed 113-112.
The Lakers had a chance to win the game, but Russell Westbrook was blocked on his layup attempt with three seconds left on the clock. Unfortunately, it appears that the point guard was fouled on his shot attempt, but the Lakers received no call.
Westbrook claimed that he was fouled by Joel Embiid, who made contact with the point guard before the layup. LeBron has also commented on the play, saying how frustrating it is to lose because of referees.
LeBron James frustrated with NBA referees
The LA Lakers forward is on the verge of becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer. In the game against the 76ers, he scored 35 points, becoming only the second player in the league's history to reach 38,000 points.
While surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the scoring list is an impressive achievement, LeBron would love to win another ring. Unfortunately, the Lakers may not even make the playoffs in the 2022-23 season.
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And all year they keep telling me to my face on the court, “I didn’t see it” or “It wasn’t a foul”. It’s not making sense to me seriously! Frustrating as hell man! Anyways keep going Squad! 💜💛👑 twitter.com/providecontext…
Many NBA fans have complained about referees who've changed the outcome of games. Referees have also made some questionable decisions at the end of the 76ers' matchup against the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
"All year they keep telling me to my face on the court, 'I didn’t see it' or 'It wasn’t a foul.'" James tweeted. "It’s not making sense to me seriously! Frustrating as hell man!"
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The NBA, however, doesn't believe that the referees made a mistake on Westbrook's game-winning shot attempt.
Regardless of how you feel about Russ,
If you don’t think that this was as clear of a foul as it gets - then you’re lying. Period.
For NBA to come out & shamelessly lie 2 games in a row against the Lakers? Why is NBA trying to make sure Lakers lose?
. https://t.co/oQFX0U3q7z
In the Last Two Minute Report, the league found no mistakes by the officials. The report considers Embiid's contact with Westbrook marginal. Due to this, the league believes the referees did the right thing by not making any calls at the end of the game.
The Lakers are currently 19-24, the third-worst record in the Western Conference.
What's next for LA Lakers?
After a heartbreaking loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, the LA Lakers will continue their five-game homestand. On Monday night, they will host the Houston Rockets, who have the worst record in the league this season.
LeBron James and his team will host the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies before traveling to Oregon for a matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.
You may be interested in reading: LA Lakers Rumors: NBA executive speculates Klay Thompson switching teams in free agency: "He grew up with his dad as a player, mostly for the Lakers"
LeBron James is close to surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA's all-time scoring list. If everything goes according to plan, the four-time MVP will achieve this impressive feat by the All-Star break.