Lakers' Star Disputes 2-Pointer Ruling in Late-Game Situation

On his 39th birthday, LeBron James found himself at the center of controversy as a crucial late-game shot was ruled a 2-pointer instead of the intended game-tying 3-pointer. The NBA’s replay center decision left James questioning the efficacy of the league’s review process.

The Disputed Shot:

In the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James believed he had secured a game-tying 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds left. However, the replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, upheld the ruling of a 2-pointer, leading to the Lakers’ 108-106 loss.

LeBron’s Perspective:

Expressing his frustration, James argued, “It’s obviously a 3. My foot is behind the line. I mean, you can see the space between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. So, you know, Stevie Wonder can see that, champ.” Despite scoring 26 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, the disputed call overshadowed James’ performance.

League’s Explanation:

Official Tony Brothers, in a post-game pool report, stated that the review wasn’t conclusive enough to overturn the call on the floor. “After video review, there wasn’t clear and conclusive evidence to overturn it from a 2 to a 3, and that’s why it stood as a 2-point field goal,” said Brothers. This explanation did little to appease James and the Lakers.

LeBron’s Critique of Replay Center:

James criticized the replay center, questioning, “What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? It’s like, who’s the part of the replay center? Like, do we got robots in there that’s making the Teslas? What’s going on? If you don’t see that, that is clear, that is clear.”Health Challenges: Adding to the drama, James revealed that he battled illness on his birthday, spending most of the day in bed. Despite his health concerns, he managed to contribute significantly to the Lakers’ efforts on the court.

Uncertain Future:

As the Lakers face a back-to-back game in New Orleans on Sunday, James expressed uncertainty about his availability, stating, “I guess, felt OK to play. I felt I could make some plays to help us win the ballgame.”LeBron James’ birthday game will be remembered not only for his on-court performance but also for the contentious replay decision that left the Lakers and their star player questioning the reliability of the NBA’s review process.