The Lakers’ latest defeat this Monday against the Heat made LeBron James completely furious. He also held the arbitration partially responsible for this failure and a real verbal joust therefore ensued between the King and the NBA. The winger’s most recent outing couldn’t be clearer.
The meeting between the Lakers and the Heat was filled with suspense, and despite the great performance of LeBron James who scored 30 points in 37 minutes of play, the outcome was not favorable for the Californians. They therefore lost (107-108) in the final seconds after a three-point shot missed by Cam Reddish, and at the same time conceded their 4th defeat of the season after 7 games.
However, the outcome of this confrontation could have been completely different according to the King, if he could have gotten more whistles. Indeed, the superstar expressed his dissatisfaction due to supposed individual treatment reserved for him by the refereeing body during this meeting. What the league decided to respond to via a particularly cash press release:
It’s the war between LeBron James and NBA referees
The NBA has confirmed that all calls made in the last two minutes of the previous night's Lakers/Heat game were correct, with no missed calls
(Via @IraHeatBeat ) pic.twitter.com/hDs1zGdvQj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 7, 2023
The NBA confirmed that all whistles that were blown during the final two minutes of the previous evening’s game between the Lakers and the Heat were correct, with no errors.
LeBron James’ complaint has reached the ears of the recipients. However, the four-time MVP does not seem satisfied with the response he received:
The game isn’t won or lost in the last 2 mins! If you know the game things happen throughout the 1st, 2nd. 3rd and first 10 mins of 4th that has MAJOR impact on outcomes. https://t.co/ReW6r43Wax
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 8, 2023
A match is not only decided in the last two minutes! If you’re familiar with the sport, there are certain things that happen throughout the first three quarters and the first 10 minutes of the 4th quarter that have a major impact on the outcome of a game.
Clearly, it is not with such a speech that Adam Silver & co. will attract the favor of the Chosen One.
Tension reigns between LeBron James and NBA referees. The multiple All-Star is convinced that he was unfairly disadvantaged by them against the Heat, and the NBA’s response was not enough to make him change his mind. It remains to be seen whether he will be better “treated” during future meetings.
