USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Injured Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) (left) talks with forward LeBron James (6) in a time out during first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Injured Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) (left) talks with forward LeBron James (6) in a time out during first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The game between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers ended on such a controversial note that it has taken over the NBA world online. Fans, analysts, NBA players, and legends are all reacting and sharing their thoughts on the calls made by the officials.?The no-call on LeBron James on the final play by Jayson Tatum left the whole Lakers team and coaching staff frustrated. It got to a point where LeBron James had to react so strongly and protest his case for all to see.
A recent post by a fan started gaining traction in which a frustrated LeBron James? reaction was compared to the scene from the 2006 movie, ?Little Miss Sunshine.??
Watch What’s Trending Now!
NBA fans show no mercy to LeBron James
Fans tend to go to certain extremes at times while making fun of or mocking NBA players.?
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) holds his forehead after falling during second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The fan post had James and the scene from the movie playing side by side, with a caption that said, ?LeBron x Little Miss Sunshine.?
This led to other fans mocking and trolling the four-time NBA champion on social media. One fan tweeted, ?LeOscar winner.? While another fan commented, ?Acting like he lost the championship.?
Here are a few more reactions from NBA Twitter:
LeOscar winner
— Daniel 〰️ (@fluidathletics) January 29, 2023
Acting like he lost the championship 😂
— KAY FRE$CO (@kayo93_) January 29, 2023
He was a little dramatic, but the entire team was ticked off about that. Patrick Beverley got a tech. Anthony Davis is likely going to get fined for talking about the refs in the post game interview. Coach Ham was very unhappy. All the commentators of the game said it was a foul.
— Princella D. Smith (@princellasmith) January 29, 2023
If LeBron wants to enter the MJ comparison category, he has to quit this, show up in OT to dominate the outcome. Or, just tomahawk slam instead of the lay-up attempt.
But what do I know.— Trey Shearin (@HBSTrey) January 29, 2023
— 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 (@instantv1ntage) January 29, 2023
If this is what happens when he gets fouled what’s he gonna do when someone dies? It has to be as dramatic as this right? Maybe he’ll bite the ground.
— Justin D (@JUSTinPUSHPLAY) January 29, 2023
A divided fanbase in the league
While it may seem funny to some fans to make fun of James and his over-the-top reaction, it was also frustrating to see for the other half. This was probably the third or fourth missed call against the Lakers in a two-week span.
Given how LeBron James is doing everything in his power to make sure the Lakers get back on track, losing a game due to one or two missed calls from the officials would likely leave any athlete upset.?
Watch This Story – 5 legends who think LeBron James is the GOAT
With one-half of the NBA fanbase seeking pleasure over the Lakers? horrible fate recently, the other half is frustrated with the officials in those games. Many are demanding that these referees be fined or even fired. Others are demanding the league open up an investigation into the matter.
What do you think the league should do? Should the officials get a free pass after issuing an apology on social media or should the league take stricter action? Let us know what you think in the comments section down below.
Written by
Edited by
Veer Badani