LeBron James had a moment with 5 seconds left in the game to turn the results around. But the referees did not agree. Eventually, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With 9 seconds left in regulation, Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. launched a three-pointer. The ball hit the rim and Anthony Davis grabbed the rebound. He threw a half-court pass to a streaking LeBron James. James caught the ball, stepped back behind the three-point line, and shot down the basket. The referees however called it a two-pointer. The video replay system showed exactly what had transpired. James pointed to the fact that his foot was behind the line by a fraction. However, lead referee Tony Brothers did not agree and confirmed it was a two-pointer.
Had the decision been a three, the game could have turned out differently. The Lakers would have tied with 4 seconds on the clock. This would have led to a different approach in the final seconds from the Lakers. Anthony Edwards was fouled on the in-throw. Edwards missed his first free throw. After making the second one, there were still 1.4 seconds on the clock.
Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 108-106 win with 31 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. He was helped by Naz Reid who added 21 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. The Lakers were led by Anthony Davis who put up 33 points, 17 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. James added 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Fans lost their minds over the controversial call
The Los Angeles Lakers have a 17-16 record this season. Lying in the Play-In positions of the Western Conference is not ideal for a team looking at another run at the NBA Championship. For fans watching, such a controversial call having an impact on the Lakers’ standings was not welcome.
Fans could not believe how the events transpired. As soon as the incident happened and the video replays were shown, they were quick to provide their opinions on social media. Check out some of the reactions below;
Ain’t no way all for the refs to cheat on the video monitor
— Roman (@Roman199012) December 31, 2023When you got this page posting it you know it was the wrong call
— Luisr Rodriguez (@Luisr72098) December 31, 2023Had the clutch shot by LeBron James ruled as a three, a probable win could have been the perfect way to end his birthday celebration. However, it was not meant to be. The King’s clutch shot could have been setting the internet on fire. However, fans will continue being frustrated over a season that has already had a fair number of ups and downs.
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