Controversial Timeout Decides Lakers' Victory Over Suns in In-Season Tournament
Photo: Instagram/LeBron James |
In a heated match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James was controversially granted a critical timeout on a loose ball, securing a Lakers win and eliminating the Suns from the NBA's in-season tournament.
The disputed call occurred in the final moments, sparking debates over officiating fairness.
Lakers shouldn't have been granted a timeout as the ball was loose pic.twitter.com/JYhzxG3P0n
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) December 6, 2023
Crew chief Josh Tiven defended the decision, citing slow-motion video replay showing Austin Reaves' apparent control of the ball.
However, Suns players, including Devin Booker, expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for a fair chance in crucial game situations.
Devin Booker's Instagram story... pic.twitter.com/t0saipHexf
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) December 6, 2023
The Lakers' advancement to the semifinals and the Suns' elimination added more drama to the tournament, but the contentious timeout decision overshadowed the intended excitement the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver sought to generate.
Suns head coach Frank Vogel criticized the non-reviewable nature of the call, calling it "extremely disappointing."
Devin Booker on the Lakers being granted a timeout while there seemed to be a loose ball: “We’re not asking for favoritism, just a fair chance.”
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) December 6, 2023
Full comments: pic.twitter.com/feSuW3Nmxt
As the Lakers gear up to face the New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas on Thursday, the league faces scrutiny over the handling of such pivotal moments and the impact on the tournament's credibility.
Suns coach Frank Vogel on the Lakers being granted a timeout when it appeared they turned the ball over: pic.twitter.com/PNqNfrrmeV
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) December 6, 2023
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Source: Yahoo Sports
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