“At the end of the day, it was a lot. It wasn’t fair, but you know, just gotta play the game. I gotta keep playing the game. But it was a lot, man, I’m not gonna lie.” Luka Doncic was unhappy with the referees’ officiating during the Lakers-Nets game. The Slovenian faced his fair share of issues with the on-court officials over the last few games. Most of his criticism was confined to the fact that the referees were reportedly not calling foul calls in favor of him.

However, things went up a notch during the recent game, with Luka shouting at the referees in Serbian. Therefore, this raises the question: What just happened right now?

Well, the evidence was there for all to see. A social media user took to X to highlight a particular moment from the game. The Brooklyn Nets had possession as 1:11 minutes remained in the 2 quarter. After guarding Nic Claxton, Luka ran to guard Ziaire Williams after the team passed the ball to him. The Slovenian backed away once Williams immediately passed the ball away. As he shot a 3-pointer, Williams ran to the rim to catch a rebound in case the shot didn’t go in.

In the process, he pushed Luka with both his hands! Unfortunately, the referees either missed the move or chose not to call a foul on it. The game continued. If you watched the video, you know why it irked Luka. It’s blatant!

Not being given a foul call when Ziaire Williams pushed him was just one of many calls Luka Doncic was not pleased with. During the 4 quarter, a referee waived off another request from the player after he made a shot while being blocked by Day’Ron Sharpe. Luka laughed it off at that time. Having already cursed the referee in Serbian, what other response could he have offered?

Any calls that the Slovenian could have received would have gone a long way in making an effort to win the game. If not having LeBron James in the game wasn’t enough, then the Slovenian and Austin Reaves also fumbled with their shooting. Reaves went 3-14 (21.4%) with his field goals and 1-5 (20.0%) with his three-pointers, while Luka recorded 8-26 (30.8%) field goals and 3-10 (30.0%) three-pointers. The night was not an overall good one for the point guard, whether it was the frustration stemming from the foul calls or a lack of communication, as JJ Redick highlighted.

The only things fans have seen in the last few days were snubs and the frustration on the Slovenian’s face because of it. During the game between the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans last Tuesday, Luka Doncic fell on the floor after a play. The officials didn’t call a foul he sought. This led to Luka shouting, “Mamu ti je—” to the referee. When literally translated, it means “F— your m–”.

Later, during the Lakers-Celtics game, Luka briefly drew an offensive foul on Jaylen Brown. However, that call was reversed on a coach’s challenge.

With this in mind, there was a desire to see Luka get at least one favorable call, mitigating concerns of referee bias. Fortunately, they gave him one during the recent game itself.

Luka Doncic lifted his arms in the air after the foul call as Game commentators rejoiced

During the Lakers-Nets game, Luka Doncic attempted to make a layup while guarded by Jalen Wilson. The Slovenian drove and attacked to get close to the rim. He finally attempted a shot when he had a brief opening, but Wilson’s hands came in between. He blocked the layup. Fortunately for Luka, he did not even have to ask for a foul call.

They gave it to him immediately after the block, as a whistle blew before the ball hit the court.

Even Brooklyn Nets fans celebrated the call. However, no one’s reaction was better than the Slovenian’s. After all, as the whistle blew, Luka immediately raised his hands to the heavens. A look of potential relief came on his face.

The commentators calling the game even marked this by saying, “Luka, and that over string right now. Out of bounds, it goes. Luka raises his hands as if to say, ‘Finally, he called a foul.’ And you go deep. That Bronx cheer, if you will. If you could call that.”

Unfortunately, that relief was short-lived. Plus, it would not have mattered after everything that transpired in the game. Given Luka’s claims and the evidence, the referees may be made aware of the mistakes in the game. Whether that will make them more aware of when to call foul calls remains a mystery.