LeBron James couldn’t believe it, and the audio confirmed it.
Video from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 134-107 home win over Memphis shows James in disbelief after being called for a foul while the Kings were guarding Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint.
James wore a live microphone during games to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the NBA when opposing players perform to get favorable fouls.
As Jackson tried to get closer to the rim, the Memphis forward backed away from James.
The NBA’s all-time scoring leader briefly put his arm around Jackson before making a steal.
As the ball approached James, Jackson hit the hardwood and the whistle sounded.
Cue the Best Actor award.
“All of this? All of this?” James repeated for emphasis.
The Lakers superstar then asked Jackson if he needed extra play to earn the foul.
“All this?” James said. “Did I really throw you to the ground, J Jack?”
James smiled during his last words, seeming to understand that sometimes drama is just what the referee needs to blow the whistle.
The Lakers dominated the Grizzlies in clutch situations on Wednesday.
James received four fouls, but overall, he performed well with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists on 6-of-11 shooting.
Seven Lakers players scored in double figures. In a 27-point victory over Memphis, the Lakers lost 2-9.
Los Angeles (6-5) moved above .500, with Anthony Davis (19) joining the Grizzlies after a big win.
When asked about the last time the Lakers won so easily that he and James were able to sit out the fourth quarter, Davis pointed the spotlight back to Memphis.
“Last year,” Davis said. “We played them (the Grizzlies) last time.”