The Los Angeles Lakers were on the ropes in the West semifinals after falling 125-107 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2, but the biggest controversy of the night came off the court. The coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick, harshly attacked the arbitration and assured that LeBron James does not receive the same treatment as other NBA superstars.
“LeBron has the worst whistle of any star player I’ve ever seen,” Redick said after the game. The coach stated that the 41-year-old veteran’s dominant physique works against him when it comes to receiving fouls, despite the constant contact he suffers in each penetration.
James finished the game with 23 points, nine baskets in 18 attempts and just four free throws made, all of them successful. Redick insisted that the forward was hit repeatedly without receiving referee protection.
“The other day I sarcastically said that they were the most disruptive team without making fouls. There are players who are fouled in every possession and that happens with all great defenses,” added the Los Angeles coach, directly pointing out the Thunder’s defensive intensity.
Redick also compared the officiating judgment to that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, suggesting that the Oklahoma City star draws fouls with minimal contact while the Lakers do not receive the same treatment.
The frustration in the Los Angeles team seemed widespread. After the final whistle, several players surrounded Austin Reaves as he argued with one of the referees after the loss.
The Lakers now return home forced to react in Game 3 to avoid being down 3-0 in the series, a historically almost impossible disadvantage to overcome in the playoffs.
