JJ Redick Calls Out Officials After LeBron James Gets No Calls: “Worst Whistle of Any Star Player”

JJ Redick is fed up of the treatment of LeBron James by the officials.

JJ Redick Calls Out Officials After LeBron James Gets No Calls: “Worst Whistle of Any Star Player”

JJ Redick on LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • JJ Redick criticized officiating after LeBron James received no foul calls during Game 2.
  • The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, trailing 2-0 in the series.
  • Austin Reaves expressed frustration with a referee's disrespectful behavior during the game.

After a bright start in Game 2, JJ Redick and LeBron James were left visibly frustrated over some questionable calls made by the officials on Thursday night. James and Austin Reaves were on the receiving end of most of the no-calls, leading to an intense confrontation with the referees at the end of the game.

It was a tight game at the end of the first half. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder took over in the second half as the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to keep up with their defense and officiating. The defending champions have now taken a 2-0 lead in the series after a convincing 125-107 victory over the Lakers at the Paycom Center.

After the game, head coach Redick was left disappointed with the officiating and pointed out that James struggles to get calls in his favor.

LeBron has the worst whistle of any star player I’ve ever seen. He gets clobbered, and he got clobbered again tonight a bunch, and that’s not a new thing. That’s not specific to this crew or this series. He gets fouled a lot. A guy gets hit on the head more than any player I’ve seen on drives, and it rarely gets called.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

With Luka Doncic still missing in action, the Lakers have had their hands full against the Thunder. After impressing in the first round against the Houston Rockets, LeBron James and the Lakers have had their hands full so far in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Heading into the tie, the Thunder were seen as favorites as they have continued to dominate the league in the last two years. They have the best defense in the league and are known for being a very physical side.

While James has scored well in the first two games, as he is averaging 25 points, he has had a total of just five free throw attempts so far. Hence, it is not surprising to see JJ Redick appear disappointed with the officiating towards his star player.

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Fans react to JJ Redick’s comments about the unfair treatment of LeBron James

Game 2 saw LeBron James having heated exchanges with the officials from the first quarter to the final quarter. Even JJ Redick was seen taking it out at an official during a timeout, which ended up in him getting a technical foul.

Following his statements on James not getting the calls, fans reacted to it across social media.

Fans agreed with Redick’s statements. Redick and James will be hoping that the officiating will get better towards them in Games 3 and 4 at home.

Austin Reaves on his heated altercation with referee John Goble

After a poor showing in Game 1, Austin Reaves was back to his very best in Game 2. In a game with LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor, Reaves led the scorers with 31 points to go along with six assists.

In the fourth quarter, Reaves was involved in a heated exchange with referee John Goble. The Lakers guard was heard cursing at the official.

Austin Reaves needs to do more to help LeBron James
Austin Reaves (Image via Maso/X)

After the game, Reaves explained exactly what transpired that led him to lose his temper.

He turned around and just yelled in my face, just thought that was disrespectful. At the end of the day, we’re grown men and I just didn’t feel like he needed to yell in my face like that. I told him if I did that to him first, I would’ve gotten a tech. Felt like the only reason I didn’t get a tech is cause he knew he was in the wrong. I just felt disrespected.

The Lakers need to reset and recharge themselves as the series moves to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4. They will need to be at their absolute best as they are in danger of going down 3-0.

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