The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on the brink of elimination after a 116-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of their first-round series. Despite strong performances from Luka Doncic, who scored 38 points, and LeBron James, who finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, the Lakers were unable to close out the game down the stretch.
A critical sequence late in the fourth quarter proved costly for Los Angeles. With 36 seconds remaining, Doncic was tripped by Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels. No foul was called, leading to Lakers head coach JJ Redick calling out this miss by the officiating crew (via Yahoo Sports).
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3).Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Adding to the frustration was an official announcement made by the NBA on Monday. In its Last Two Minute Report, the league acknowledged they missed the tripping foul.
Advertisement
“Last Two Minute Report from Lakers-Wolves Game 4 holds up JJ Redick’s contention that Luka Doncic was tripped and should have been awarded free throws,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote on X. “It does not support LeBron James’ stance that the hand was part of the ball on the out of bounds call on Anthony Edwards.”
The reaction from fans was swift and heated.
“What is the reason for fixing this now? Like it won’t change what has happened,” one fan wrote.
“this league is a joke a chance to take the lead and the refs had CTE,” another added.
Another fan chimed in, calling for a “ref overhaul” and questioning the value of the reports after outcomes have been decided.
Advertisement
“No one cares you can’t go back and change anything. They could have kept that to themselves,” said another.
“These don’t matter it’s not changing the score,” said another.
The Lakers now trail the series 3-1 and face a must-win situation in Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday.
Related: NBA Facing Major Accusation Amid Lakers’ Loss to Timberwolves
Related: Austin Reaves Sends Clear Message After Lakers’ Loss to Timberwolves