Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has once again voiced his frustration with NBA officiating, following a controversial marginal contact call during the team’s victory over the LA Clippers, as the four-time champion hits out online.
The incident occurred when a foul committed against James was overturned due to what referees deemed “marginal contact,” despite the fact that there appeared to be clear contact with the face.
Pure patience! Lebron James and Luka Doncic recreate this famous scene from Super Pro
So after the game, the 40-year-old was not willing to let that slide and headed to Instagram to post a screenshot from the contest that showed Kawhi Leonard’s arm making clear contact with his face. “Marginal huh!?!,” LeBron added.
James remained on the court but in visible discomfort after the contact, requiring assistance from two teammates to get back on his feet. Even while seated on the bench, he continued to show signs of pain.
It comes as NBA officiating has been under scrutiny recently, with players and fans raising concerns about inconsistent calls; an issue that’s even expanding beyond men’s professional basketball and into the WNBA too.
In the Lakers‘ previous game, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star, Anthony Edwards, was ejected simply for saying, “That’s a f**king foul.”
While the comment did include profanity, it was not directed at an official, making the ejection seem excessive.
LeBron up to 5th in MVP odds
LeBron James is having a fine season, made all the more impressive by the fact he’s 40, as he posts averages of 24.9 points, 8.6 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game, whilst also making 52.1% of field goals and 39.5% of three-throws at the Staples Center.
With the Lakers now up to fourth in the Western Conference and just 0.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies and 1.5 behind the Denver Nuggets, they’re looking in prime position to continue climbing up the order as they record their fifth straight win.
And LeBron is being recognised as he moves up to fifth on the Kia MVP Ladder, as per NBA TV. He now sits behind Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
