The Los Angeles Lakers suffering a 125-121 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics continues to go viral across social media, due in large part to the blatantly missed shooting foul call against Celtics star Jayson Tatum on Lakers’ Lebron James. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the National Basketball Referees Association put out a statement on Twitter saying that they acknowledge the fact they missed the call on Tatum.
“Like everyone else, referees make mistakes. We made one at the end of last night’s game and that is gut-wrenching for us. This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be.”
No apology will erase the damage that had already been done. The incident happened late in the fourth quarter, as James was driving to the basket with the score tied at 105-105. If called, James would’ve been sent to the line with the chance to put the game away with less than five seconds left in regulation.
James’ teammate, Anthony Davis, didn’t mince words when speaking with the media after the game. Davis called no-call bulls*** and “unacceptable”.
“And I guarantee you nothing gonna happen to the ref,” Davis added. “We got cheated tonight, honestly.”
This is not the only instance this season the Lakers feel like a controversial call / no call went against them that lead to them losing a game. “I don’t see it happening to nobody else. It’s just weird,” James said.
Bad calls happen in every game, but they are going to be magnified when the following things happen.
1- It is a primetime game.
2- The Lakers and LeBron are playing.
That is just a fact. The Lakers are like the Cowboys of the NBA. No matter if they are winning or losing they are going to get major coverage from all the networks so everything in amplified.
Flip the page for the no call that had LeBron on his knees.