The NBA?s rivalry day lived up to all the hype as the bitterest of enemies faced off against each other. However, the battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics was arguably the most dramatic. Notably, the end of regulation time created havoc. LeBron James fell to his knees on a missed foul call by the officials that would have potentially determined the outcome of the game, and it seems ‘King James’ is not letting go of what happened anytime soon.
With the scores tied, James took the ball for the final shot. Playing to his strengths, the 19-time All-Star blasted to the rack. Ready to finish with his left, Jayson Tatum had to do something. Likewise, in an attempt to block the shot, he slapped James? left hand. To the shock of most fans, the referees saw no foul. The 38-year-old Lakers superstar was furious and all over the place in his reaction of utter disbelief. In addition, he also felt that there was a certain target on his back.
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The four-time MVP even took to his Instagram to taunt the 24-year-old. However, many NBA fans felt that James should just let it go.
LeBron James can?t get over the Lakers-Celtics controversy
James and Tatum might be rivals on the floor, but outside the NBA, they are good friends. Likewise, after Tatum seemingly got away with the foul, the All-Star captain took a slight hit. Notably, James wrote in his story, ?good block?. Furthermore, the Celtics? cornerstone response suggests that he perhaps knew about his mistake. Tatum responded by saying, ?last night was blur? good game champ?.?
Despite the apparent mild-mannered exchange between the two, NBA fans didn?t see it that way as they went after LeBron James.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
LEBRON STILL CRYIN OVER THIS LMFAOOOOOOOOO
— ġřęëņ fņ 🔫 (@notblasta) January 30, 2023
crying for foul calls while also being one of the biggest flop for fouls players ever will never sit right with me. https://t.co/1h8Na4FBt8
— Ricky Spanish (@thenewfranchise) January 30, 2023
Bron is so lame 😂 https://t.co/regeaTqQFH
— 🧈 in human form (@essentialrhasuu) January 30, 2023
Lebron is such a bitch, bullies the refs on social media so he’ll get calls for the rest of the season. Soft as fuck https://t.co/2CYtTIzMm7
— j (@lordfarquah15) January 30, 2023
That man Bron still salty from last night..just start preparing for the Nets and let the hurt go lol https://t.co/Ja4t95AFwg
— Em 😎 (@Always_151) January 30, 2023
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https://twitter.com/kennyandthejet/status/1619919790658945024?s=20&t=Kueej1o6RysdVnfmkCJHcQ
Every win for the Lakers is crucial at this point in the season. Moreover, this is not the first time James saw his side fall to a bad call. The 17-time champions faced a similar situation in their loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Likewise, frustrations seem to be built up for the side currently in 13th place on the Western Confrence table. Several Lakers burst out after the Celtics game in shock at the no-call by the refs. Anthony Davis even said they were “cheated” on the night,?according to Bleacher Report.
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Do you think the NBA should investigate the game and punish the responsible officials? Let us know your views in the comments below.