LeBron James believed he had made a game-tying 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds left on the clock during the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the NBA’s replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, ruled it a 2-pointer. James, who scored 26 points despite being ill, called out the league’s replay process, stating that his foot was clearly behind the 3-point line. He also expressed frustration with the explanation he received from officials, saying that someone in the replay center was “eating a ham sandwich” or “made the call.” Official Tony Brothers later stated that the review was inconclusive. The Lakers lost the game 108-106.
“The play was initially called a 2-point field goal during live play,” explained Brothers. “Upon video review, there was not enough clear and conclusive evidence to overturn it from a 2 to a 3, so the ruling stood as a 2-point field goal.”
However, James disagreed with the decision and felt that the video evidence was clear enough to support his view. He immediately went to the scorer’s table and pointed to the replay monitor as soon as Brothers announced the ruling to the in-arena crowd.
James expressed his frustration, saying, “What’s the point of having replay if even the replay gets it wrong? Who’s part of the replay center? Do we have robots in there making Teslas? If you don’t see that, that is clear, that is clear.”
James had been feeling unwell and had stayed in bed until 4:30 p.m. before getting ready to head to the arena. He took a few more naps before finally getting out of bed and getting a shower. Despite feeling better, he was unsure if he would be able to play in Sunday’s game in New Orleans and would wait to see how he felt a day later.
