As a game-tying 3-pointer by LeBron James was ruled just a 2-pointer by the referees, the #23 was infuriated with such a decision that created quite some mayhem.
With the game on the line and just a few seconds to go, LeBron had managed to splash a 3-pointer and give hope to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it was all in vain as the shot was ruled a 2-pointer. After the review, the call did not change, and in the end, the Lakers could not tie or win the game.
After the event, LeBron showed all his frustration and could not believe such a call.
“I mean, it’s obviously a 3,” James told reporters in front of his locker after the game. “My foot is behind the line. You can see the space between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. You can clearly see the wood on the floor. There’s a space in between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. Stevie Wonder can see that, champ.”
The explanation of the referee Tony Brothers was that, after reviewing the play, there was not enough evidence to overturn it from a two to a three-pointer. LeBron continued by stating that it does not make sense to have replays if even with those the calls are wrong.
“It’s super frustrating in the sense of what the hell we got replay for? What do we have a replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? Who’s a part of the replay center?
“That is clear. That is clear. Even if the shot is released and my foot’s on the line afterward, it doesn’t matter. Once the shot is out of my hand, no matter where my foot lands, it’s from when I shot the ball. And it’s clear. Everyone can see it. So it doesn’t make sense.”
Even Lakers coach Darvin Ham and LeBron’s teammate Anthony Davis disagreed with the call and showed their frustration toward the referees and the NBA Replay Center.
“The view I had, I thought it was a clear-cut 3,” Ham said. “Our guys on the sideline replayed it. We thought it was a good 3. I just saw a still shot here a couple of seconds ago that definitely looked like a 3. … Although I disagree, you have to live with it.”
“It’s a 3,” Davis said. “A clear-cut 3. The foot was behind the line. We talked to the officials and they said it was the replay center. … It’s tough. Tough one, for sure.”