Meeting for the first time since Christmas, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks gave fans a thriller. The double-overtime clash saw Luka Doncic and Dallas come out on top. However, the game came with a fair share of complaints. Notably, it was a rough day at the office for the referees. Laker nation lashed out against the officials since a late-game call potentially cost LeBron James the win.

Through the third quarter, it seemed to be just another Lakers loss incoming. However, Dallas was in for a surprise. Overcoming a double-digit deficit, Russell Westbrook and the Lakers got right back in. The two teams went bucket for bucket in the final quarter. After a heroic Luka Doncic steps back, the Lakers got an opportunity at the last shot.

Troy Brown got a contested look for the game-winner. But Tim Hardaway Jr. got his hand up in time, or so it seemed. The last play caused major controversy as the review showed another side of the story.

LeBron James and Lakers lose because of a bad call?

Both teams showed immense competitiveness in this clash. The aura was physical and almost old school, with the Lakers and Mavericks both fighting for each possession. Likewise, the referees might have missed a few obvious calls. Some turned out to be bigger than others. Hardaway’s last shot contest seemed to have grazed the hands of Troy Brown. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the officials saw it as a fair block. Even LeBron James couldn’t believe his eyes as the forward quarreled in disbelief.

Amid Doubts Over His Lakers Future, LeBron James Showed Up With Wife Savannah for Bronny’s Big Night

The reaction to the call would be an outburst. Laker nation exploded away on the referees as the game ultimately gave Dallas two overtime to steal the game.

Trending

Draymond Green Drops Harsh Criticism on Jalen Brunson, Suggests the Only Way Knicks Can Salvage Playoff Series vs 76ers

May 02, 2024 03:22 PM EDT

“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA

April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

WNBA’s Sad Policy Begins Haunting Rookie Caitlin Clark in Dallas: “Liberty Were Fined $500K…”

May 03, 2024 04:06 AM EDT

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Savannah James Will Not Let 9YO Zhuri Follow Women’s Fashion Liberation: “Only So Far I Would Go”

April 30, 2024 06:06 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

As has been the season’s story, Luka Doncic put up yet another monster triple-double. Putting his unstoppable step back to use, the 23-year-old hit back-to-back shots to force additional time. However, the unsung hero was arguably their center, Christian Wood. The former Houston Rockets star came up huge on both ends of the floor. He fought his way to a 24 points, 14 rebounds double-double to go with 5 crucial blocks. The duo combined for 59 on the night. In addition, Spencer Dinwiddie stepped up late game finishing with 17 points.

Russell Westbrook led the way for the Lakers off the bench. The triple-double leader scored a team-high 28 points in the double overtime thriller. LeBron James had an effective night setting up his teammates with 9 assists. However, the King struggled to make timely buckets when needed in his 24-point outing. The 18-time All-Star continued his nightmare slump, missing all of his 7 three-point attempts.

Watch This Story – Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson: Injury Details, Return Dates

The purple and gold’s late-game rally never translated to a big lead. A run was quickly shut down by Dallas, who had the superior firepower in the contest. However, with the major controversy surrounding the final call in regulation time, do you think this was a game the Lakers deserved to win? Let us know your views in the comments below.