A controversial no-call from the Lakers' overtime loss to the Celtics on Saturday has now elicited a response from the National Basketball Referees Association.
The no-call in question came with the game tied at 105 with 4.1 seconds remaining in regulation. On LeBron James' drive for the potential game-winning layup, Jayson Tatum initiated contact with James' arm, which resulted in a miss. While the contact could be seen and heard, no foul was called and Boston ultimately won the game in overtime.
The fallout from the controversial no-call included James' on-court reaction and postgame criticism, with critical comments also coming from Anthony Davis and Darvin Ham, among others. Here's what the referees association had to say in response:
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"Like everyone else, referees make mistakes," the Official NBA Refs account tweeted. "We made one at the end of last night's game and that is gut-wrenching for us. This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be."
Like everyone else, referees make mistakes. We made one at the end of last night’s game and that is gut-wrenching for us. This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be.https://t.co/WyN8QVuTOl
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) January 29, 2023
Within 24 hours, the tweet has received over seven million views and over 8,000 quote tweets, many of which have come with criticism and calls for more accountability in the moment.
When speaking with reporters after the game, James' admitted that his reaction in real-time was a product of building frustration, adding that "you guys have seen some of the games we've lost this year that have been late-game missed calls."
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James' reference to the Lakers' recent stretch of controversial no-calls was echoed by Ham, who said "I don't want to see another Last Two Minute Report. They can save that," referring to the NBA's admission of incorrect calls on its official site.
With the loss to Boston, LA fell to 23-27 on the season. According to James and Ham, there have been four games in which the outcome was swayed by late-game officiating — that's the difference between the West's 13th and fourth seeds.
Here is how the NBA has ruled each of the controversial calls in question:
Lakers and the NBA Officiating Last Two Minute Report
Jan. 28: Celtics 125, Lakers 121 (OT)
Situation: Game tied at 105 with 4.1 seconds remaining in regulation. LeBron James receives contact on a potential game-winning layup.
Comment: "Jayson Tatum initiates contact with LeBron James' arm, affecting his shot attempt at the rim."
Ruling: Incorrect Non-Call
Jan. 18: Kings 116, Lakers 111
Situation: Lakers trail by four points with 12.0 seconds remaining in regulation. Kendrick Nunn receives contact on made 3-point attempt.
Comment: "De'Aaron Fox steps forward and initiates contact with Kendrick Nunn's body, which affects his jump shot attempt."
Ruling: Incorrect Non-Call
Jan. 15: 76ers 113, Lakers 112
Situation: Lakers trail by one point with 14.5 seconds remaining in regulation. Russell Westbrook receives contact on a potential game-winning drive.
Comment: "Joel Embiid slightly extends his arm before retracting it and marginal arm contact occurs with Russell Westbrook during the driving shot attempt.
Ruling: Correct Non-Call
Jan. 12: Mavericks 119, Lakers 115 (2OT)
Situation: Game tied at 101 with 6.0 seconds remaining in regulation. Troy Brown Jr. receives contact on a potential game-winning 3-point attempt.
Comment: "Tim Hardaway Jr. legally contests Troy Brown Jr.'s jump shot attempt and makes contact with the ball. Any 'high-five' contact is considered incidental."
Ruling: Correct Non-Call
Situation: Game tied at 106 with 13.0 seconds remaining in first overtime. LeBron James receives contact on potential game-winning layup attempt.
Comment: "Christian Wood initiates contact to LeBron James' left arm before blocking the shot, and the illegal contact affects his shot attempt."
Ruling: Incorrect Non-Call
