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Lakers Officials Cry Foul: Refs' Calls Under Fire
8 May
Summary
- LeBron James receives minimal free throws, drawing coach's ire.
- Austin Reaves felt disrespected by a referee's loud address.
- Lakers face a 2-0 playoff deficit after Thursday night's loss.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing scrutiny of officiating after their 125-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, which put them down 2-0 in the series. Coach JJ Redick and player Austin Reaves both expressed frustration with the referees.
Redick specifically pointed out LeBron James's lack of free throw attempts, stating he has the "worst whistle of any star player." Reaves felt a crew chief disrespected him by yelling during a jump ball, an interaction he believed could have earned him a technical foul. Both players, along with Jaxson Hayes, finished with five fouls.
The Thunder, who are 6-0 in the playoffs, were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren with 22 points each. Reaves scored 31 for the Lakers, and James added 23. The Lakers will host Game 3 on Saturday, aiming to rebound from their deficit.
