After losing to the Miami Heat 108-107 on November 7, the Los Angeles Lakers dropped to 3-4 in a game that did not sit well with LeBron James. Not only for the defeat, but also for what he and the Lakers feel were multiple foul calls that should have been called during the one-point game.
James finished with four rebounds, three assists, three blocks, one steal, and thirty points.
L.A. forwarded clips to the league office for additional examination. However, the results of the most recent 2-minute report were clear, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, which prompted James to respond.
James declared in a post on X on November 7 that “the game isn’t won or lost in the last two minutes.” The first, second, third, and first ten minutes of the fourth quarter have significant effects on the results, if you are familiar with the game.
“The Lakers’ main point of contention is how LeBron James was officiated, according to sources,” wrote ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on November 7. “The Lakers shared various clips showing what they believe to be clear illegal contact by Heat defenders against James that went unnoticed by the referees.”
James attempted just four free throws on the night. That ties a season-low mark. It also keeps him on pace to tie his career-low for attempts per game in a single season (5.7). He has averaged that many attempts two other times in his career.
Both have come since he joined the Lakers.
“The explanations of what they’re telling me are not consistent with what’s actually happening on the floor,” James said via House of Highlights on November 6.
James’ 6.2 free throw attempts per game as a Laker are fewer than either of his Heat (7.8) or Cleveland Cavaliers (8.2) tenures. With 16 fouls drawn in seven games, James would match his 2003-04 total (187) if he appeared in all 82 games. That is unlikely with his injury history in what is his age-39 season.
Even if he did, however, that would tie the fifth-fewest0 he has ever drawn in an entire season.
LeBron James Adds Qualifier to Statement on Heat Tenure
James’ time with the Heat was in the spotlight with the contest. The 21-year veteran won two championships in his four seasons in South Beach. But James also believes his legacy would have been the same even if he never joined the Heat. James has been candid about leaving the Cavaliers because he couldn’t recruit players to join him in Cleveland.
He later clarified he might have less hardware without the Heat but little else would change.
“You damn right I would still be,” James exclaimed in an earlier post on X. “I’m CHOSEN! Ain’t nothing changing that! Maybe less [rings] but DOMINANT from start to finish.”
He was able to help raise a banner after leaving he Heat. James guided the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship in 2020.
Nikola Jokic Passes Up LeBron James
While James was battling the Heat, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic overcame him on the all-time triple-doubles leaderboard. He did it in far less time.
It is just another feather in the Nuggets star’s cap. His team has won three of their last five regular-season meetings. The Nuggets also eliminated the Lakers in last year’s Western Conference Finals, sweeping James and Co. on their way to the championship.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA for Heavy.com with a focus on the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
