LeBron James criticizes the NBA after the Lakers’ defeat to the 76ers was caused by a bad call
Sunday night’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Lakers was again a tight one, with officiating once again becoming the key point of discussion. LeBron James’ Twitter post-Monday afternoon criticising recent refereeing prompted the drama to continue. James reacted to a tweet that highlighted how the Lakers’ most recent two games ended, with two no-calls serving as the game’s decisive factors in both instances.
In the final seconds of Los Angeles’ 113-112 defeat, Russell Westbrook attempted to go one-on-one with Joel Embiid. After driving to the basket, he shot, but it didn’t even touch the rim.
When questioned about the game’s decisive possession thereafter, Westbrook drew attention to what he believed to be a foul on Embiid that the referees had overlooked. “I couldn’t get my hand up to shoot because [Embiid] was grabbing it,” the Lakers guard claimed. The referees made the right no-call, according to the league’s Last Two Minute Report from the game, which was released on Monday.
Fans’ reaction to the controversy and LeBron James’ tweet
Many Twitter users started tweeting various perspectives of the game’s last play, in which we can see Embiid gripping — and hanging onto — Westbrook’s wrist as he dives toward the hoop, after the no-call at the conclusion of the game on Sunday. Even a very good picture of Embiid’s hand grabbing Westbrook’s wrist on the decisive play persists.
James’ frustration with the officials is understandable given how no-calls have affected both of the Lakers’ previous two games. However, the Lakers are not alone in this position, and James is not the only player to believe that the officials are unfairly treating his team.
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