The Los Angeles Lakers secured a narrow 105-104 victory against the Utah Jazz on Sunday night in a game filled with excitement and controversy. The Lakers managed to hold on to the win, in part due to Jazz head coach Will Hardy’s late timeout. Hardy’s quick thinking stopped what appeared to be a game-winning basket by Collin Sexton, who had grabbed a rebound off LeBron James.
However, the victory was overshadowed by questionable officiating, particularly involving Lakers star LeBron James. One key moment came when James was visibly fouled while shooting, but the referees again let the play continue.
Again, in the second quarter, the scoreboard was 33-29. LeBron was chasing three Jazz players on a fast break when he drove to the rim for a layup. Video footage showed multiple defenders hitting LeBron’s arms and body, yet the refs didn’t call any fouls.
LeBron has the worst whistle in the league
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) December 2, 2024
Watch the replay at the end 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/ERR4QDWeHt
“LeBron, that whistle was going to sound as Kessler reached in, and I mean just almost broke his forearm with a shot,” remarked a commentator on the missed calls.
After the game, clips of these missed calls quickly went viral on social media. Fans were outraged, with many accusing the referees of unfair treatment toward James.
This is bullshit. The NBA should be ashamed of trait that way one of the top three, five players in history.
— Mini Ferulo (@MFerulo82437) December 2, 2024
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Worst whistle in the league for years and it’s not close
— Luke Karcher (@LukeKarcher) December 2, 2024
It’s been like this ever since Silverbitch said Jordan was the Goat
— H.I.M (@damarian_smith) December 2, 2024
Almost positive it’s coming from Adam Silver directly. He wants parity and competition so he has a huge interest in keeping Lebron from going off.
— 👨🏾💻 (@samuraishampuu) December 2, 2024
Refs been hating Bron fr a while lol no surprise
— Katie ❤️ | Top 0.79%😈 | Free OF 😫 (@thaofficialkat) December 2, 2024
Moreover, the frustration extended beyond James. Anthony Davis also faced physical play without drawing fouls. One play saw Davis being pushed and climbed on by Sexton and Collins with the referee standing nearby, yet no whistle was blown.
LeBron James Responds To Criticism After Struggling From Beyond The Arc In Lakers’ Win
LeBron James had an off night from three-point range during the Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday. The Lakers star missed all nine of his attempts from deep. Following the game, he addressed his shooting struggles and emphasized his ability to contribute in other ways.
“One thing about me: if the shot is not going, I can still make plays, and I still make an impact on the game,” said James after the game.
James finished the night with 27 points, seven rebounds, and 14 assists. The victory improved the Lakers’ record to 12-8. The team now shifts its focus to Monday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
