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LeBron James and the Lakers were at the center of controversy on Saturday night. In a game with the Celtics, Los Angeles players were frustrated with a no call at the end of regulation.
The no call proved crucial as it sent the game into overtime. The Lakers would eventually lose, 125-121.
On the play in question, LeBron James appeared to be fouled while attempting the game-winning shot. After driving to the hoop, Boston guard Jayson Tatum slapped James’s wrist as he laid the ball off the glass.
The shot ricocheted off the rim and fell harmlessly to the ground. The Lakers believed LeBron should’ve been shooting foul shots, which conceivably could’ve given Los Angeles a win in what was a tie game.
Instead, officials swallowed their whistles, much to the dismay of LA fans and players.
That one hurt BIG TIME!!! I don't understand
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 29, 2023
Sunday afternoon, the NBA officials page posted a message on Twitter.
That message admitted that they missed the call, leading to the Lakers loss. But it also came with a caption that many can’t take seriously.
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.
Admitting a mistake is one thing, but to say that the “gut-wrenching” gaffe will cause “sleepless nights” almost sounds like they’re trolling.
Many on social media agreed.
One fan wrote, “That can’t be a real tweet, right? The wording just doesn’t sit right with me.”
dawg they are trolling. “sleepless nights”???💀💀💀
— KJ (@KJ_McFlannels) January 29, 2023
This fan said, “This seems sarcastic,” while another commented, “NBA fans can’t take this tweet seriously.”
It’s not the first time the LeBron James has questioned officiating this season. Just last week, the Lakers were involved in a pair of games that saw late calls potentially influence the outcome. The Lakers lost both.