Controversial No-Call Costs Lakers the Game Against Celtics: Players and Coaches Speak Out
The Los Angeles Lakers were left in shock after their loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, with a controversial no-call at the end of the fourth quarter proving to be the turning point in the game.
With the score tied at 105-105 and just 4 seconds remaining on the clock, Lakers superstar LeBron James drove towards the basket, only to be surrounded by three Celtics defenders. It appeared that Jayson Tatum hit James on the arm as he went up for a layup, but no foul was called on the play.
“I don’t understand. I don’t understand what we’re doing, and I watch basketball every single day,” James said after the game. “I watch games every single day and I don’t see it happening to nobody else. It’s just weird.”
Anthony Davis was even more direct in his assessment of the situation: “He fouled him. He fouled him. Clearly. Clearly. It’s bulls—. But at the end of the day, like, it’s unacceptable. And I guarantee nothing is gonna happen to the refs. We got cheated tonight, honestly.”
The game would go to overtime and Boston would come away with a 125-121 win. James missed the lay up and there was no foul called on the play. The Lakers superstar was beside himself over the no-call and fell to the floor in disbelief. Patrick Beverley, at one point, came over with a camera to show the referee what he missed. He received a technical foul.
The controversial no-call has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, with many calling for greater accountability for game officials.
Blown Call Costs Lakers in Heartbreaking Loss to Celtics
In a highly-anticipated matchup between two of the league’s top teams, the Los Angeles Lakers were left reeling after a controversial no-call at the end of regulation cost them a chance at victory against the Boston Celtics. With the game tied at 105-105 and only 4 seconds left on the clock, Lakers superstar LeBron James drove to the basket and appeared to be fouled by Celtics defender Jayson Tatum, but the officials failed to make the call. James missed the layup and the game went into overtime, where the Celtics ultimately came away with a 125-121 win.
The Lakers, including James, Anthony Davis, and coach Darvin Ham, were vocal in their frustration with the missed call, with James stating, “I don’t understand what we’re doing. I watch basketball every single day, and I don’t see it happening to nobody else. It’s just weird.” Crew chief Eric Lewis later admitted the officials missed the call, stating, “There was contact…the crew missed the play.”
LeBron was not happy after this play to win the game. pic.twitter.com/FNMPBQTHox
— ESPN (@espn) January 29, 2023
Despite the disappointment, James had a standout performance, scoring 41 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Davis added 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Beverley also contributed 15 points and five rebounds in the loss. The Celtics were led by Tatum’s 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, and Jaylen Brown’s 37 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
