USA Today via Reuters
Oct 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) argues with referee Justin Van Duyne (64) in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 115-105. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) argues with referee Justin Van Duyne (64) in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 115-105. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After missing eight straight games, LeBron James is back for the Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold have struggled without the ‘King’ and his return will surely be a big boost for them. He is on show against arch-rivals, Boston Celtics, on his return to the floor. However, fans seem to be angry with LeBron as he misbehaves with the referee.
The Laker-Celtics rivalry goes way beyond any in the league. Both teams have had a shaky start to the season losing key players to injuries. However, it seems the Celtics are holding their own against the Lakers as Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schroder lead the march.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dunks a ball during the second half of the NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. The Warriors won 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
While LeBron has been impressive on his return, he was angry in the second quarter for not receiving prior fouls. Likewise, he let the referee know and fans were not happy as the ‘King’ never gets a technical.
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LeBron James shows frustration on referee
Heading into the half, James felt he had not received his fouls. So when he got a steal and the bucket to end the second quarter, he showed his frustration with the officiating. While he did receive the foul on that play, James came out furious, asking the refs to call the foul.
you can't tell me LeBron and the Lakers don't get officiated differently than any other team in the NBA. Bron makes the lay up but how in the world do you not call the clear path first? just baffling how these refs are pic.twitter.com/xxnOA7kn4P
— LSH (@_LSH24) November 20, 2021
Lebron screaming at the refs in his face but no tech.
Daddy silver. Wanna suck off Lebron any harder ?
— C’s Nation ☘️ (@CELTICSvsEvery1) November 20, 2021
LeBron is the only player in the NBA who is allowed to basically curse out each Refs families after a play and not get called for a Technical Foul
— Backcourt Violation (@backcourtv) November 20, 2021
ref told LeBron that was blocking and he said "then why didnt you call it" and the ref got mad
— 𝔾𝔹 (@ThaLakerNation) November 20, 2021
Bro I've seen both LeBron and Carmelo SCREAM at the Refs and no call. And Tatum shows emotion on random NO CALLS in previous games and gets crucified.. Carmelo deserve superstar treatment over Tatum? Ok
— Mateo Aycardi (@MateoAyy) November 20, 2021
Why does Lebron get to scream at the refs about foul calls but Trae Young can’t wave his hand at a ref without getting a tech? Serious question
— Logan Bailey🥶🔥 (@wetsaucebailey) November 20, 2021
Lebron allowed to verbally assault refs, if Tatum smirks he gets hit with tech
— ne'er-do-well (@merkin_muffly) November 20, 2021
The refs allow #LeBron to argue calls from the bench.
The biggest crybaby in the league.@ESPNNBA
— Milo Stone (@GeniusMilo) November 20, 2021
Lebron walked far to talk to the refs lol not even in the game
— Jonezy⚡️ (@JUSTJONEZY) November 20, 2021
Does ANYONE talk back to refs more than LeBron?
— Lenny L (@quaker90) November 20, 2021
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Players have had a bad day with the referees giving a technical over potentially nothing. Hence, in this case, where LeBron is showing his frustration with the ref, fans felt he should have got a technical.
With the game, the Lakers struggle to keep on coming as the Celtics hold a comfortable lead. LeBron and Anthony Davis have been good as a duo. However, Russell Westbrook has struggled once again with all three stars on the floor. Moreover, Horton Tucker has struggled as well, unable to convert a single attempt.
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On the other hand, former Laker Dennis Schroder has torched the purple and gold. The absence of Jaylen Brown has allowed him to be more aggressive, and he has made full use of it. Jayson Tatum continues to impress and the Celtics march towards a win.
Do you think LeBron James deserved to get a technical? Let us know in the comments below.
