NBA – The Lakers accused of favoritism, the league decides and causes a scandal!

Los Angeles Lakers NBA superstar LeBron James (left) and Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic (right)NBA (DR)

By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist

Narrowly winning their last meeting, against the Raptors, the Lakers then found themselves at the heart of a major refereeing controversy. Supposedly favored according to Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic, they finally saw the league settle the debate.

If they have been riding a positive dynamic again for several days, it has not been done peacefully. The Lakers thus remain on two consecutive victories acquired at the end of the suspense against the Clippers and the Raptors. The latest one nevertheless left a very bitter taste in the mouth of Darko Rajakovic, convinced that his team was cheated by the refereeing body in this match.

In addition to the angry reaction of the Toronto coach, many observers wondered about the enormous difference in free throws awarded to the two teams in the 4th quarter. So much so that LeBron James had to bring up this controversy and reacted to it with viral comments. He was not the only one, since the NBA itself took charge of this matter in order to get everyone to agree.

The league’s unexpected opinion on the sulphurous Raptors/Lakers

As tradition dictates, the league has published in recent hours the “Last 2 Minute Report” of this meeting between Raptors and Lakers. Two refereeing errors are also reported… but would have favored Toronto. The first, which took place 1mn33 from time, notably involved Scottie Barnes:

Barnes (TOR) moves into Reaves’ (LAL) run without getting into a screen position and delivers illegal contact that affects his opponent’s ability to defend.

The second would have taken place 1mn18 from the final buzzer, and this time concerned RJ Barrett:

Barrett (TOR) initiates illegal contact with the right wrist of Davis (LAL), leading to him losing the ball.

For the rest, no fault would have escaped the vigilance of the referees over these last two minutes, while those sanctioned would have been rightly so. Enough to leave Canadian fans even more upset:

Nah at this point just tell Darko Raptors aren’t allowed win, so we don’t have to waste energy playing

— Torontosportsforever (@Toronto64372780) January 10, 2024

Nah at this point just say that Darko’s Raptors don’t have the right to win, that way we won’t have to waste energy playing

Laughable. Totally biased and paid off

— Karen McPherson (@KarenMc52467712) January 11, 2024

Laughable. Totally biased and it worked

For the league, no refereeing error would have favored the Lakers in the last two minutes of their match against the Raptors. A clarification which clearly did not succeed in silencing the rumblings of Toronto supporters.