Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron's NSFW comments depict bubbling frustration

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/23/24

On Monday, LeBron James missed a wide-open three-point shot that could have tied the Los Angeles Lakers series with the Denver Nuggets. Instead, Jamal Murray took the ball up the floor and hit a clutch fadeaway to ice the game. While that moment secured the win, the Lakers felt like they were fighting an uphill battle all night long.

When speaking to the media as part of his postgame news conference, LeBron questioned the officiating of the game and why the NBA has a replay center if they're not going to use it.

"I don't understand what's going on in the replay center, to be honest... It makes no sense to me... Then I just saw what happened with the Sixers/Knicks game too, what are we doing?" - LeBron James pic.twitter.com/7OWLmuf8jn
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 23, 2024

The Lakers now have a mountain to climb. The Denver Nuggets are one of the best teams in the world. They only need two more wins to progress into the second round. The Lakers must win both of their home games if they want a chance of winning their series.

LeBron's comments were clearly born out of frustration. Not just at the game officials but also at the situation his team finds itself in. His chances of another championship continue to fade, and the Nuggets are once again the team preparing to send him home. Nevertheless, his actions will likely result in a fine. You can't openly question the officiating without being reprimanded. Factor in his choice of language, and LeBron's week is likely going to get a little worse.

The Lakers can still turn things around. But they have to do it now. There's too much talent on their roster for them to get swept by the same team for the second straight season. If that happens, there will need to be some serious questions asked of the roster and the coaching staff.

For now, LeBron will want to see more focus on making the right calls in games. If that happens and the Lakers still lose, he will have to live with the result and know there's nobody to blame except himself and his teammates.

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