Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James called out NBA refereeing for not calling a foul on a play where he was bloodied during Monday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers.
Blazers rookie point guard Scoot Henderson appeared to do his best Wolverine impression, slashing LeBron’s shoulder during the third quarter. No foul was called on Henderson, though the game was paused to allow Lakers staff to clean Bron’s bloody appendage.
James took exception to the no-call, posting a picture of his shoulder slash on Instagram with the caption, “[Zebra emoji] looked right at me and said ‘I didn’t see a foul!’ Man what! I give up man.”
Screenshot/Instagram/@kingjames
The Lakers would go on to win the game 134-110 and despite the 39-year-old vet’s whining, Portland was still called for more fouls — 21 to the Lakers’ 18, according to Bleacher Report.
It’s not the first time King James has had an issue with the officiating this season. In late December, on his birthday, he posted another picture to Instagram supposedly showing his foot behind the three-point line on a shot that the refs deemed a two-pointer.
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James may have some legitimate gripes but something tells me his woes extend beyond a simple frustration with the refs.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues with referee Mitchell Ervin #27 during overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on November 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The once-mighty Lakers have been floundering since winning the NBA’s first ever in-season tournament. Monday’s win over Portland brings their record to an even 22-22, good for a paltry 9th place in the NBA’s Western Conference.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a Lakers score during a 134-110 Lakers win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on January 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images
They’ve posted an 8-13 record since winning the tournament, hardly a laudable outcome for the game’s presumed best player. (RELATED: ‘Shoot It!’: Say What You Want About LeBron, But He’s One Hell Of A Dad)
While LeBron’s scoring and rebounding numbers are slightly down from his past two stellar seasons, the 39-year-old is still getting it done in the box score. But that statistical success has hardly translated to wins for a team that, on paper, looks to be one of the most talented teams in the game.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues a call with referee Curtis Blair #74 during a 104-101 Lakers win over the Golden State Warriors in game four of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images
To make matters worse, the Akron native appears to have suffered an ankle injury during Monday’s game and has already been ruled out for a Tuesday night contest against Lakers’ crosstown rival LA Clippers.
Basketball’s most recognizable star has only averaged 52 games played per season in the last three years as the Lakers had taken advantage of a lack of rest rules. But with a new framework in place he had only missed four games this year.