L2M report clears officiating in Lakers-Heat, but LeBron James disagrees / News - Basketnews.com

LeBron James voices frustration over refereeing in Lakers' loss to Heat: "The game isn't won or lost in the last 2 mins!"

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

LeBron James remains discontent with the officiating during the Los Angeles Lakers' narrow 108-107 loss to the Miami Heat on Monday.

Player of the Game EFF 37 Bam Adebayo Points 22 Accuracy 9-20 Rebounds 20 Assists 10

Despite the NBA's Last Two Minute (L2M) Report affirming the absence of incorrect calls in the crucial final minutes, James expressed his frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing that the game's outcome hinges on events occurring throughout all four quarters.

"The game isn't won or lost in the last 2 mins!" he asserted. "If you know the game, things happen throughout the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and the first 10 mins of the 4th that has a MAJOR impact on outcomes."

In the aftermath of the defeat, where James only attempted four free throws, the Lakers formally raised concerns with the NBA office, citing what they perceived as overlooked calls affecting how LeBron was officiated.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakersshared video clips highlighting instances of apparent illegal contact by Heat defenders against James.

James pointed out his low free throw count post-game, expressing dissatisfaction with the officiating crew's explanations for the non-calls.

One such instance he referenced involved Heat center Thomas Bryant making contact with his face during a missed dunk attempt with 1:01 remaining in the third quarter -- an incident the Lakers included in the footage provided to the NBA.

"What they're telling me is not consistent with what's actually happening on the floor," James said. "When I went for the dunk attempt against Thomas Bryant, he clearly elbowed -- like, arm straight across my face. And I asked him for the explanation -- well, one of the refs said that he was straight up, hands straight in the air. Two of the refs said they were blocked, and they didn't see it."

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