Devin Booker reacts to his late foul call on LeBron James
Devin Booker stood firm, insisting he didn’t hit LeBron James’ wrist on the controversial foul call at the end of the Suns’ game against the Lakers.
Phoenix Suns fans were enraged with the officiating throughout the 116-114 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 14 at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The Lakers finished the game going 33-of-43 from the line while the Suns went 21-of-25.
The fan base was upset on social media with three plays in particular late in the game. The NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report addressed each of them and concluded that the correct call or non-call was made.
James’ non-call on Brooks’ clutch 3
LeBron James was not called for a foul on Dillon Brooks’ 3-pointer to give Phoenix a 114-113 lead with 12.2 seconds left.
The Last Two-Minute Report concluded that it was the correct call.
“James (LAL) contests to the side of Brooks (PHX) and would avoid making contact if not for Brooks extending his left leg/knee towards James.”
Brooks’ 2nd technical foul, ejection
Brooks drew his second technical foul as he approached James after making the 3 and the Lakers called a timeout with 12.2 seconds left.
The Last Two-Minute Report concluded this was the correct call, as Brooks was ejected from the game after picking up a second technical foul.
“Brooks (PHX) is assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike physical contact with James (LAL) during a dead ball situation.”
Suns head coach reacts to controversial calls vs. Lakers
Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott spoke to the media after controversial calls in the team’s narrow loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 14, 2025.
Booker’s foul on James’ 3-point shot
Devin Booker was called for a foul on James’ 3-point attempt with three seconds left.
The Last Two-Minute Report concluded Booker fouled James on the play as Phoenix lost a challenge on the call.
“Replay review of the foul called on Booker (PHX) pursuant to a coach’s challenge was deemed unsuccessful. Booker initiates contact with James’ (LAL) right arm/wrist as he is starting his upward shooting motion.”
James made two of the three free throw attempts to give the Lakers a 115-114 lead with three seconds left.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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