Lakers Rumors

Report: NBA reached out to Lakers immediately after game to inform them that LeBron James was fouled by Jayson Tatum

Published by
Zach Stevens

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their second painful loss to the Boston Celtics in overtime on Saturday in less than two months.

The big controversy was centered around a non-call at the end of regulation when LeBron James appeared to be fouled by Jayson Tatum while missing what would’ve been the game-winning layup with the score tied.

Shortly after the game, the Lakers reportedly were told by NBA officials that James was, indeed, fouled on that play and should’ve gotten two free throws.

It was cold comfort for L.A., as it missed yet another golden opportunity to move forward in the standings and take advantage of a relatively weak and wide-open Western Conference.

The team went up by 11 points at one time, as its defense stopped Tatum and forced lots of misses from 3-point range. But the Lakers struggled themselves on offense, as their offense looked slow and stagnant for much of the contest.

They needed to speed up the pace and score fast-break buckets in bunches, but Boston wouldn’t let them turn this game into the type of drag race they would’ve preferred.

James had yet another remarkable performance, scoring 41 points while hitting on 6-of-12 3-point attempts, but it was ultimately wasted.

Los Angeles (23-27) is still two games out of the 10th spot in the Western Conference and only three games behind the sixth-place Minnesota Timberwolves, but it’s slowly running out of time to make its move and ensure a spot in the NBA playoffs this spring.

Its loss on Saturday was the first game of an extended road trip that will include tilts against Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets, the surprising New York Knicks and the young and exciting New Orleans Pelicans.

With most of its injured players now healthy and in action, including Anthony Davis and Lonnie Walker IV, this is the time for the team to step things up.

Zach Stevens

Zach has always had a profound love and respect for the Lakers that has inspired him to write about the franchise. He has a great deal of admiration for LeBron James, and his overall knowledge about the NBA has made him a solid addition to the Lakers Daily staff.

Published by
Zach Stevens

Recent Posts

Ex-teammate of Kobe and Shaq reacts to ‘BS’ narrative about Bryant being O’Neal’s sidekick

Gilbert Arenas is a self-described fan of Kobe Bryant, but he turned some heads when…

December 22, 2024

Jordan and Shaq’s ex-teammate discredits LeBron’s ‘bubble’ ring after he’s called Lakers legend

The Los Angeles Lakers have sky-high expectations compared to the lion's share of other NBA…

December 21, 2024

‘LeBron makes the trades’: Carmelo Anthony speaks out on chances of Lakers dealing LeBron James

Amid chatter about the future of 20-time All-Star LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers,…

December 20, 2024

DeMarcus Cousins says he and Anthony Davis would’ve helped Pelicans become contenders if not for ‘dumba-s’ Dell Demps

Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins called out former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell…

December 19, 2024

Darvin Ham fires massive shot at Lakers: ‘Anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension’

Darvin Ham has had more NBA Cup success than any coach in the league since…

December 18, 2024

Bobby Portis on the difference between the Bucks and the Lakers: ‘We’re not Hollywood’

The Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2024 NBA Cup title with a 97-81 victory over the…

December 18, 2024