Skip Bayless questions LeBron James' motives after controversial call goes against him in loss against Celtics
Skip Bayless questioned LeBron James' motives after a controversial decisive call went against the latter during the Lakers' 125-121 OT loss against the Celtics. The score was tied at 105-105 at the end of regulation when James drove to the basket in an attempt to seal the win for his team.
However, James missed the layup after Jayson Tatum smacked his arm. The referees surprisingly missed the call. James would've made a trip to the foul line with barely a second left on the game clock to shoot two free throws if there was a whistle.
However, Bayless believes James was relieved that the call didn't go his way because of his poor free-throw shooting efficiency. Here's what the TV analyst tweeted:
"The truth is, I think LeBron was relieved he didn't have to go stand by himself 15 feet away and make one free throw. No one has missed anywhere near as many close-game late-game free throws as LeBron since he came into the league."
The truth is, I think LeBron was relieved he didn't have to go stand by himself 15 feet away and make one free throw. No one has missed anywhere near as many close-game late-game free throws as LeBron since he came into the league.
Skip Bayless may have added to his list of unpopular opinions about LeBron James. The LA Lakers star didn't seem like he was trying to avoid shooting a free throw to help his team win. James had a hot hand during the game as he went off for 41 points on 50% shooting, making 6-of-12 3-pointers and 5-of-6 free throws.
He also had to convert only one of his two free throws to seal the win as there was barely a second left after that possession.
LA Lakers players and coaches sound off about LeBron James not getting the call on the final play
The LA Lakers staff and players didn't hold back their thoughts after LeBron James didn't get the whistle at the end of regulation. Coach Darvin Ham claimed it was getting tougher every game to not blame the officials for the Lakers suffering losses in close games this season.
Ham also made a sarcastic remark, saying it's "amazing" how a player of LeBron's stature isn't getting the whistle. James' co-star Anthony Davis went as far as claiming that the Lakers were cheated out of a win. He also called for referees to be fined for missing calls like these in the future to increase accountability.
Anthony Davis on the final possession: “It’s bullshit. It’s unacceptable. … We got cheated tonight.” https://t.co/etu283iMAu
Dennis Schroder and assistant coach Phil Handy took to Instagram to vent their frustrations, echoing the same sentiments as Ham and Davis. LeBron James surprisingly remained composed, but ensured he pleaded his case.
Dennis Schroder posted this on his IG story after tonight’s loss vs Boston 😳 https://t.co/DyjgumypaB
James said he doesn't understand officiating against him as he drives the ball to the rim just as many times as other players in the league, who have averaged double-digit free throw attempts this season.