Controversial Timeout Decision Puts LeBron James in the Spotlight After Lakers’ NBA In-Season Tournament Victory

Subtitle: Los Angeles Lakers secure semifinal berth amid heated debate over critical timeout call

Los Angeles, December 6, 2023 – In a thrilling showdown, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their spot in the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals on Tuesday, triumphing over the Phoenix Suns by a narrow margin of 106-103. However, the game’s climax was marred by a significant dose of controversy surrounding a timeout call in the final seconds.

With just 11.2 seconds remaining and the Lakers holding a slim lead of +2 (105-103), LeBron James inbounded to Austin Reaves, who immediately found himself in a two-on-one situation against the Suns.

The ball became a battleground, with neither team gaining full control. However, in the midst of the struggle, LeBron James called for a timeout. Despite the questionable possession by the Lakers, the referees granted the timeout.

Suns players and coaching staff vehemently protested the decision, but there was no turning back. Subsequently, Anthony Davis sank a free throw, extending the Lakers’ lead to +3, and Kevin Durant missed a long-range three-pointer that could have forced overtime.

Post-game, amidst a storm of controversy on social media, the referees offered their explanation through NBA media channels. “During the live play, the referee deemed that Los Angeles still had possession of the ball when LeBron James called the timeout. Through post-game video review and slow-motion footage, we observed that Austin Reaves had his left hand on the ball while securing it against his left leg, which constitutes control,” they stated.

This explanation came after several Suns members bitterly complained in the post-game press conference. Suns coach Frank Vogel expressed his frustration, saying, “It’s a loose ball (…) and you can’t call a timeout on a loose ball, you can’t. The whistle blows, I don’t know why. Everything in the league is reviewable, but I don’t know why that can’t be reviewed (…). It’s extremely disappointing.”

Devin Booker, who had previously posted an image of the controversial play on his Instagram account, also criticized the decision. “Everyone saw it (what happened),” he said. “It is what it is. Referees sometimes make mistakes in their decisions, but when it’s so obvious, it’s tough,” added Booker, stating that the referees provided no explanation on the court and emphasizing that the Suns weren’t seeking “favoritism” but rather “a fair chance.”

Kevin Durant offered a broader perspective, asserting that the play wasn’t “the reason” they lost that night. “That’s not the whole game; it’s just one play in a 48-minute game,” he reflected. “It’s not the reason we lost the game. They made 27 more shots than us, and we turned the ball over 22 times. That was the game; that’s what we should be talking about,” Durant concluded.