USA Today via Reuters
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel (left) talks with referee Eric Dalen (37) in the second half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel (left) talks with referee Eric Dalen (37) in the second half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers resumed their season against the Los Angeles Clippers after the all-star break. The Lakers hoped they can turn their season around and give LeBron James a chance at another ring, but it did not get off to a great start.
The Lakers lost to a short-handed Clippers for a third time this season and the Clippers won their 6th straight game in a row against them. Lakers lost 105-102, in a game where they were down by 16 points and came back to take the lead. LeBron James’ streak of scoring 25 points or more also ended in this game. He had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but he air-balled a three. The game was delayed at the end as the refs took about 20 minutes to discuss an out-of-bounds call. And Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was not happy with the call at all.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers head coach loses it at refs
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The out-of-bounds call happened in the fourth quarter with less than 27 seconds left in the game. Russell Westbrook took a fading jump shot over Robert Covington and LeBron James got the rebound after the miss. LeBron then threw the ball to Westbrook, but it was intercepted by Covington, but he was out of bound when he caught it. The call of the floor was Lakers ball, and they called a timeout.
But the Clippers argued LeBron had stepped out of bounds when he caught the ball. And they took the coach’s challenge to argue the call. After a lengthy review, they succeeded, and they got the ball back. The Lakers were furious with the call as they argued that the previous play wasn’t reviewable. They did force a turnover on the Clippers, but they could not capitalize on it. Frank Vogel was furious with the call and he said, ?I disagree strongly with the ruling. I think it?s total BS?.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
F. Vogel opens up his postgame comments with a pointed rebuff of the referees’ ruling on the late challenge that found that LeBron James stepped out of bounds. He said that the whistle was on Robert Covington going out: “I disagree strongly with the ruling. I think it’s total BS”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 26, 2022
WATCH THIS STORY: Top Moments from the All Star Game
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Lakers head coach did not mince his words when talking about the refs. He would also not be happy with the late-game decision-making by the Lakers. Carmelo Anthony took a long-contested three and the ball barely grazed the rim. Vogel is already under immense pressure and this loss just adds to that.
Do you agree with Frank Vogel? Let us know in the comments below!
