LeBron James Criticizes NBA’s Replay Center After Lakers’ Buzzer-Beater Loss, Trail Denver 2-0

LeBron James expressed his frustration with the NBA’s replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, after a controversial call in Game 2 of the Lakers’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. The call in question was a second-half foul on Michael Porter Jr. that was overturned, with the league ruling that Porter had only made marginal contact on D’Angelo Russell.

James, who finished with 26 points and 12 assists in the game, was visibly upset during his postgame interview. The Lakers had blown a 20-point lead and ultimately lost to the Nuggets 101-99 on a buzzer-beater by Jamal Murray.

Despite having a chance to give the Lakers the lead with a late 3-pointer that rimmed out, James focused his frustration on the replay center’s decision. He questioned the purpose of having a replay center if calls like the one on Porter’s foul could be overturned.

The loss puts the Lakers in a 2-0 series deficit as they head back to Los Angeles for Game 3. James acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the need to focus on each game as its own challenge.

The controversial call in Game 2 added to a night of questionable officiating in the NBA, with James referencing a similar situation in an earlier game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. The frustration with the replay center and officiating decisions left James and the Lakers feeling disheartened after a heartbreaking loss.