Image Credit: Google and Yahoo
On Saturday, The head referee in the Los Angeles Lakers' 125-121 overtime loss to the Celtics admitted there was a missed shooting foul by Jayson Tatum. Against LeBron James in the final seconds of regulation, leaving L.A. seething about another defeat tied to officiating.
In Los Angeles Lakers
Overtime loss to the Celtics
Jayson Tatum against LeBron James
Image Credit: Google and Getty Images
There was a golden opportunity for the Lakers to knock off the league-leading Celtics when James drove to the hoop with the score tied with 4.0 seconds remaining. He got all the way to the basket when he attempted a left-handed layup and was smacked on the arm by Tatum, missing the shot just before time expired.
Image Credit: Google and Getty Images
James immediately turned to the referee stationed along the baseline, grabbing his arm to indicate where the contact occurred.
Image Credit: Google and ESPN
He hopped up and down, slapped the hardwood, held his hands on his head in disbelief and finally dropped to his knees in the paint and put his head down into his arms on the floor.
Image Credit: Google and ESPN
Crew chief Eric Lewis said
Crew chief Eric Lewis said to a pool reporter after the game that "There was contact,". "At the time, during the game, we did not see a foul. The crew missed the play."
Image Credit: Google and ESPN
James said
After finishing with 41 points on 15-for-30 shooting "It's challenging,". "I don't get it. I'm attacking the paint, just as much as any of the guys in this league that's shooting double-digit free throws a night, and I don't get it. I don't understand it."
Image Credit: Google and ESPN
Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who normally is reticent to criticize the officiating, also could not deny the impact the refs had on the outcome Saturday.
Feeling of
Image Credit: Google and ESPN
"As much as you try not to put it on the officiating, it's becoming increasingly difficult," Ham said. "The best player on earth can't get a call. It's amazing."
Said that
Image Credit: Google and ESPN
Want to read