Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James criticized NBA referees for not calling a foul on a bloody play in Monday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Blazers rookie point guard Scoot Henderson appeared to do his best Wolverine impression by slashing LeBron's shoulder during the third quarter. No foul was called on Henderson, but the game was paused so Lakers staff could clean Bron's bloody appendage.
James took exception to the no-call and posted a photo of himself with a slash on his shoulder on Instagram with the caption:[Zebra emoji] He looked straight at me and said, “It didn't look like a foul!” Oh my God! I give up, man. ”
Screenshot/Instagram/@kingjames
The Lakers went on to win the game 134-110, and despite the 39-year-old veteran's whining, Portland was called for more fouls — 21 to the Lakers' 18. according to Go to Bleacher Report.
This isn't the first time King James has had issues with referees this season. On his birthday in late December, he posted another photo on Instagram in which he allegedly placed his foot behind the three-point line on a shot that the referee ruled to be a two-pointer.
James may have legitimate grievances, but we can see that his struggles go beyond simple grievances with the referees.
The once-mighty Lakers have slumped since winning the first in-season tournament in NBA history. Monday's win against Portland improves their record to 22-22, which puts them in just ninth place in the NBA's Western Conference.
They have an 8-13 record since winning the tournament, hardly an admirable record for one of the best players in the game. (Related: 'Shoot It!': Say what you want about LeBron, but he's a hell of a father)
Although LeBron's points and rebound numbers are down slightly compared to his last two stellar seasons, the 39-year-old is still making it in the box score. But that statistical success has translated little into wins for a team that on paper looks like one of the most talented teams in the game.
To make matters worse, the Akron native appears to have injured his ankle during Monday's game and is already injured. exclude heading into Tuesday night's contest against the Lakers' crosstown rivals, the LA Clippers.
The most famous basketball star has: averaged The Lakers took advantage of the lack of a rest rule, resulting in 52 games per season over the past three years. but, new framework Instead, he missed just four games this year.
