LeBron James has driven through the tick and tin of the game. On the court, it is particularly very difficult to play against LeBron, and seemingly, so is it to officiate games he features in because of the attention he draws.
LeBron consistently voices his complaints when he believes calls are overlooked. Indeed, he has a reputation for being somewhat of a complainer. However, he often crosses the line, which makes most fans feel he sometimes influences the NBA referees.
LeBron’s NBA referee influence proves his power
In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-103 victory against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday, LeBron conveyed his reluctance to switch balls after a drink was spilled on it. In a viral clip, a referee is seen bringing the affected ball to the scorer’s table, wiping it clean, and suggesting using a backup game ball.
However, LeBron was adamant, firmly telling the ref, “No, we don’t want to change. We don’t want to change. Keep it in there.” The referee complied, and LeBron James called over Suns star Devin Booker to verify the ball’s suitability. Booker agreed, and the game resumed.
The reason for LeBron James’ insistence on using the original ball remains unclear, but athletes often hold superstitions, and he likely didn’t want to disrupt his rhythm with a new ball.
Social media buzzed with the exchange, with some suggesting it’s ‘proof’ of LeBron James exerting too much influence over NBA officials. Critics argue that LeBron gets preferential treatment and leverages his reputation for favorable decisions.
LeBron’s Lakers beat Suns
In the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, marking their third meeting this season. Having defeated the Suns previously this season in group play, the Lakers secured the top seed in the knockout stages.
Star players LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker featured in the game, resulting in a 106-103 victory for the Lakers, advancing them further in the tournament.
LeBron stole the show with an impressive performance, scoring 31 points, providing 11 assists, grabbing 8 rebounds, and making 5 steals. The game kicked off with D’Angelo Russell making a wing triple to start the scoring. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 14 points in the first quarter, giving them a 33-23 lead. Despite a 15-point lead, the Suns staged a comeback, reducing the margin to four points before halftime.
After missing five games, Rui Hachimura returned, adding depth to the Lakers’ lineup. In the third quarter, the Suns went on a 10-0 run, but Austin Reaves and the Lakers kept the game close. The fourth quarter witnessed a competitive exchange as Anthony Davis and LeBron James showcased their pick-and-roll skills. Despite a late surge by the Suns, key plays by Reaves and Davis helped secure a hard-fought 106-103 victory for the Lakers.
