LeBron James exploded in fury after a last-gasp three pointer to tie the Lakers’ game vs. Minnesota was ruled out after officials said his foot was on the three-point line.
The Lakers trailed the Timberwolves by three points with just 2.3 seconds remaining when James’ shot found its home.
But the 39-year-old’s birthday celebrations soon turned into rage after the officials ruled it only as a two-pointer, leaving the Wolves up 107-106. The play was reviewed, only for the call on the floor to stand.
LeBron then spotted a replay of his shot on a courtside screen, which appeared to show his foot being on the three-point line by a razor-thin margin, although differing angles suggest otherwise.
T-Wolves guard Anthony Edwards then drew a foul with 1.1 seconds remaining and made one of two free throws to give his team a two-point cushion to finish the game with a scoreline of 108-106 in Minnesota’s favor.
LeBron registered 26 points on 10-for-21 shooting on his 39th birthday. No other Lakers player scored in double digits besides Anthony Davis, who led the Lakers with 33 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists. Davis also had four steals and a pair of blocked shots for the Lakers, who fell to 0-2 against Minnesota this season.
Edwards, 22, scored 31 points for Minnesota while Naz Reid added another 21 off the bench. Rudy Gobert had 13 points and 13 rebounds as the Timberwolves overcame 19 turnovers to win for the fourth time in five games. They are now 14-1 at home this season.
The Lakers, on the hand, have now lost seven of 10 since winning the In-Season Tournament. James was questionable for Saturday night’s game in Minneapolis with a non-COVID-19 illness.
More to follow…
