Frustrated James Questions Replay After Lakers' Buzzer-Beater Loss, Down 0-2 to Nuggets

 

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Frustrated James Questions Replay After Lakers' Buzzer-Beater Loss, Down 0-2 to Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBorn James (23) and Denver Nuggets forward Gordon (50) eye the ball during the second half in game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Monday, April 22, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver, CO – April 22nd, 2024 LeBron James' post-game comments focused less on the Los Angeles Lakers' heartbreaking 101-99 defeat to the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 and more on his dissatisfaction with a key overturned call by the NBA's replay center. The loss puts the Lakers in a precarious 0-2 series hole heading back to Los Angeles for Game 3.

The Lakers had built a comfortable 20-point lead in the second half, but a resilient Nuggets squad clawed their way back. The game remained a nail-biter down the stretch, with both teams trading baskets. With seconds remaining and the score tied, James had a chance to win it with a three-pointer, but his shot rimmed out.

However, the most controversial moment came earlier in the fourth quarter. D'Angelo Russell drove to the basket and appeared to be fouled by Michael Porter Jr. The on-court officials called the foul, but the replay center overturned it, citing minimal contact. This decision left James fuming.

"I don't understand what's going on in the replay center, to be honest," James said after the game. "D-Lo clearly gets hit in the face on the drive. What the [expletive] do we have a replay center for if they're not gonna get calls like that right? It doesn't make sense."

James' frustration was palpable, and his comments are sure to spark further debate about officiating in the NBA. While the missed call undoubtedly impacted the game, the Lakers also squandered their sizeable lead and missed key free throws down the stretch.

Denver's Jamal Murray emerged as the hero for the Nuggets, sinking a fadeaway buzzer-beater to secure the victory. Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, had another dominant performance with a triple-double (23 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists).

The Lakers now face an uphill battle as they return home needing to win three out of the next four games to avoid an early playoff exit. James' leadership and his ability to keep his composure will be crucial if the Lakers are to have any hope of forcing a comeback in this series.

Key Takeaways:

• Lakers lose a heartbreaker to the Nuggets 101-99, down 0-2 in the series.
• LeBron James questions a key overturned call by the replay center.
• Jamal Murray hits a buzzer-beater to win it for Denver.
• Lakers need to win three out of the next four games to avoid elimination.