April 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts when a foul is called during the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena.Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers asked to speak with their manager.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on Tuesday that the Lakers contacted the league office regarding multiple perceived missed foul calls in a loss to the Miami Heat the night before. McMenamin added that the Lakers were particularly disturbed by the way LeBron James was officiating and submitted various videos of alleged illegal contact by Heat defenders without being named.
Monday’s game was a tight one, with the Lakers losing 108-107 after Cam Reddish missed a three-pointer in the final game. Although James consistently attacked the rim against Miami’s defense, he only attempted four free throws.
There are indeed numerous clips circulating on social media in which James is believed to have been fouled but does not receive a call from the referee.
https://twitter.com/HoodiHachimura/status/1721701486613405745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/LADEig/status/1721712889587728625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/Lakers24LifeMan/status/1721721561730744499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
To add to the Lakers’ frustration, James was called for a foul late in the fourth quarter while guarding Heat star Jimmy Butler.
https://twitter.com/bballbreakdown/status/1721721884033917229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Lakers teammate D’Angelo Russell was also ejected in the fourth quarter after arguing with the referees.
https://twitter.com/NBACelebsUpdate/status/1721740281446330791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As for James, he averaged 7.7 free throws per game in his career, but this season he averaged 5.7 free throws per game. That would tie a career low, but overall still average for James in his final years with the Lakers.
The Lakers had previously complained to the league office about alleged missed calls, and they seemed to get a more favorable whistle in the second half of last season after voicing their displeasure with blatant missed calls in January. The team is now hoping for similar luck by once again voicing their displeasure.