In the aftermath of a 108-106 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, LeBron James voiced frustration over a disputed ruling on his potential game-tying shot in the closing moments. A video review deemed James' shot a 2-pointer instead of a 3, prompting the Lakers' star to question the effectiveness of the NBA's replay process.
Expressing his discontent, James exclaimed, "What the hell do we got replay for? What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? It's just like, who is a part of the replay center? Like, do we got robots in there making Teslas? Like, what's going on?"
The contested shot, a transition attempt from the left wing with 2.3 seconds remaining, would have leveled the score at 107. Referee Brent Barnaky ruled it a 2-pointer, citing James' toe on the 3-point line. Despite James' protest during a timeout, the call stood after analysis at the NBA replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
James argued, "I mean, it's obvious it's a 3. My foot was behind the line. You can see the space between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. Stevie Wonder can see that, champ."
Crew chief Tony Brothers explained that the initial 2-point call wasn't overturned due to a lack of clear and conclusive evidence. The Lakers disagreed vehemently, with coach Darvin Ham asserting, "We thought it was a good 3."
LeBron questioned the credentials of replay center employees, suggesting it could have been "somebody over there eating a ham sandwich" making the crucial call. He referenced past instances where he believed the Lakers had incorrect calls go against them.
Despite a final opportunity to tie the score, the Lakers fell short, with James unable to get a shot off before the buzzer. The disappointing conclusion marred James' 26-point performance on his 39th birthday and wasted a stellar showing by Anthony Davis.
The loss dropped the Lakers to a 3-7 record in their past 10 games, raising questions about team dynamics and rotations. James reflected, "Thirty-three games in and we're still just trying to figure out lineups and rotations and who to have on the floor at certain moments."
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