The Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday was marked by a controversial ejection of their star point guard, Luka Doncic, which sparked strong reactions, including from LeBron James. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter at a crucial moment in the game.
According to the official report, referee J.T. Orr issued Doncic a technical foul for “looking directly at an official and using vulgar language.” However, Doncic’s words were directed at a fan sitting courtside, with whom he had been exchanging comments. This was Doncic’s second technical foul of the game, resulting in an automatic ejection.
The ejection came at a critical moment, right after Doncic scored a basket that gave the Lakers a 108-107 lead. After the departure of their leader, the Thunder seized the opportunity, launching a 24-8 run and distancing themselves from the Lakers to secure a 136-120 victory.
LeBron James questions refereeing decision
After the final whistle, LeBron James expressed his confusion over the referee’s decision. The veteran Lakers forward questioned why the official had taken the incident “personally”and described the atmosphere of the game as “weird” following Doncic’s ejection.
“It was a weird couple of minutes after that, starting with the ejection,” James told reporters after the game. “I don’t know why the ref was taking it personally. He had already given Luka one, and Luka knew that. Luka was going back and forth with the fan sitting courtside, like Luka does. The fans get to talk s—, talk out of their mind, whatever the case may be, and Luka was going back and forth. But then another T on Vando after a blocked shot. This game was just weird as hell after that moment.”
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What’s next for the Lakers?
The Lakers’ defeat has impacted their position in the Western Conference standings. With this result, the Houston Rockets secured second place, and the best position the Lakers can now aim for is third. To achieve this, the Lakers will need to win two of their remaining three games, without relying on other results.
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Doncic’s controversial ejection and LeBron James’ subsequent reaction will likely add tension to the Lakers’ upcoming games as they fight to secure a favorable position for the NBA playoffs.
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