“The f*ck do we have a replay center for?”: LeBron James questions NBA officiating after Nuggets take 2-0 lead

There were some who were optimistic about the Lakers’ chances going into the series against the Nuggets, but so far, it is going exactly how the majority expected. Following a disappointing loss in Game 1, the Los Angeles team gave away a massive 20-point lead and lost control over the second game in the playoff series, ending with a 101-99 loss on Monday night. However, what sparked rage in the Lakers’ leader LeBron James is not the overturn of events but the officiating in the game.

While talking to the reporters in a post-game interview, LeBron stated with disbelief, “I don’t understand what’s going on in the replay center, to be honest.” The 4-time NBA champion, who has often pointed out the flaws in the NBA’s replay process before, spoke about it again. “D-Lo clearly gets hit in the face on a drive,” added LeBron.

Showing utter disappointment at the game officials for not calling a foul on Russell, the 20-time All-Star said, “What the f— do we have a replay center [for] if it’s going to go [like that]? It doesn’t make sense to me.” He further called out the decisions taken in the Sixers versus Knicks game to justify his point.

The incident that infuriated LeBron James was in the third quarter of the game when Russell was hit in the face by Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. while attempting a layup. Even after reviewing it, the officials didn’t call for a foul that cost the Lakers two points, which became a differential in the game even after LeBron’s efforts.

Heroic LeBron James block not enough to save Lakers

After LeBron James’ 33-feet deep 3-point shot went viral from Game 1, his electrifying block from the following game received huge appreciation.

During the initial minutes of the game, Denver’s Nikola Jokic passed the ball to teammate Jamal Murray, who then drove to the basket to hit the target. However, LeBron came to the Lakers’ defense and blocked the shot that ultimately hit the rim.

The crowd in Ball Arena was ready to celebrate Murray’s basket as the ball seemingly headed inside the hoop until LBJ stuck out his massive palm to deny the shot, silencing the live attendants.

The 39-year-old contributed 26 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds while converting three out of six shots from behind the 3-point arc and 9-of-19 from the field. Despite his attempts, LeBron James couldn’t help the Lakers to secure a win that could’ve levelled the series.

The LA side needs to bounce back in the series to avoid repeating history like last year’s Western Conference Finals.