The Lakers almost made an amazing comeback against the Rockets on Sunday but fell short, losing the game and dropping to a 20-15 record at the Toyota Center. However, a key moment in their 119-115 loss left LeBron James and Lakers fans frustrated because they missed the chance to call a timeout, which hurt their chances in the final seconds.
In the fourth quarter, with the score at 118-115 and the Lakers in possession, LeBron James tried to call a timeout during a side-out play. James attempted to draw the referees’ attention before he received the ball.
However, the referees overlooked his signal, leading to Fred VanVleet of the Rockets stealing the pass and LeBron James fouling him. Then VanVleet made a free throw to seal the Rockets victory.
For the Rockets, Jalen Green scored 33 points, and Amen Thompson added 23 points with a career-high 16 rebounds after returning from a two-game suspension. The Rockets led by as much as 22 points but had to fight hard to win.
CONFIRMED: LeBron signaled for a timeout before the ball was thrown into play. pic.twitter.com/8KBmDYEfWQ
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 6, 2025
The Lakers’ close defeat hit hard, particularly given their unstable record where each victory holds significant importance. Fans were upset, and the missed timeout call only made things worse.
LeBron James and Lakers’ fans call out referee’s decision
LeBron James and Lakers fans are upset about the referee’s decision during the game. After the match, The 40-year-old said, “Max definitely still had the ball in his hands but it wasn’t awarded. That happens. We didn’t lose the game because of that.”
max made an awful play and should and will learn from that again like the OKC game
— 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙗𝙝 (@OVOLakeShow) January 6, 2025
bron wasn't going to get that TO bc the ref is looking at the basketball
IF THE REF IS TRACKING THE BALL YOU CAN SEE FVV DRAPED OVER LEBRON ONCE ITS INBOUNDED CALL THE FUCKING FOUL
2 FTs & BALL! pic.twitter.com/tuCdldZdh4
LeBron’s frustration was clear, especially after his 21 points and Anthony Davis’s 30 points gave the Rockets a tough fight. Fans also took to Twitter to share their anger, with some saying the referees “went dead” at a critical moment.
Looked dead at him btw pic.twitter.com/3nYZYLTQQS
— suyy (@HillMarquavion) January 6, 2025
they robbed us
— Negan’s Burner Account (@YaWifeInMeDms) January 6, 2025
Others accused the refs of “robbing” the Lakers, while some even angrily called out the NBA in frustration.
This motherfucker, the NBA BETTER MAKE AN APOLOGY RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/7XGwtiBQor
— Ben (@Trisklyy) January 6, 2025
