The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games on Saturday, defeating the Orlando Magic 105-104, but the game became a major talking point for a controversial call against LeBron James. Fans and analysts alike have been dissecting the sequence that led to the Lakers‘ narrow victory, with the Last Two Minute Report (L2M) failing to satisfy critics.
The drama unfolded with 0.6 seconds remaining. Trailing 104-102, Marcus Smart executed a baseline inbound pass to Luke Kennard on the left wing, who had just enough time to adjust and sink a game-winning three-pointer.
But before that decisive play, the Lakers had a critical opportunity to tie the game.With 4.7 seconds left, James attempted a dunk following an inbound from Smart, only to have it blocked by Paolo Banchero of Orlando.
No foul was called, even though James and many observers – including Lakers head coach JJ Redick – argued that contact should have been whistled.
A foul call in that situation would have given James two free throws, creating a real chance to tie the game.
The L2M report stated, “Banchero (ORL) makes initial hand-on-ball contact, legally blocking the shot and initiating the dislodge before any subsequent incidental contact occurs with LeBron James (LAL) during the layup attempt.”
The ruling sided with the officials, describing the contact as incidental, but fans remained unconvinced.
One wrote, “He clearly hit him on the wrist though. You could see LeBron on the broadcast say ‘that’s f***ed up man’ to the ref.”
JJ Redick questions decision, and fans agree
Redick did not hold back in his postgame critique: “So, down 2 and we get LeBron open. We actually just challenged this call in our last game, and the ball got initially hit,” he said.
“But then if LeBron still has possession of the ball and then gets fouled across the arm, that’s considered a foul. (Because) we challenged that, we lost that challenge.
“So again, another night where explanations get changed based on a whim. We had to overcome a lot tonight, and by that, you know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Fans echoed Redick‘s frustration across social media.
One wrote: “Just a terribly officiated game. Lakers got away with one. That blatant foul on LeBron was egregious,” one wrote.
Another added: “What video are they watching cause Bron was clearly hit across the arm,” while others trolled the league for the decision.
One fan said: “NBA thinks we don’t have eyes lmao, it was a clear foul on Bron,” and “Paolo fouled LeBron clear as day.”
The silver lining for the Lakers
Despite the controversy, the Lakers ultimately walked away with the win, extending their impressive streak.
Still, the game highlights ongoing concerns over officiating and accountability in the NBA, leaving fans, analysts, and LeBron himself calling for greater consistency in critical game moments.
The Lakers‘ nine-game streak may be intact, but on another day, the decision might have cost them the win.
The debate over the missed call ensures this matchup against the Magic will be remembered as much for controversy as for victory.
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