LeBron James Sick of NBA Referees After Nikola Jokic Shove Leaves Him Injured

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, took on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night in a highly anticipated clash between two strong contenders from the Western Conference. In the end, the Nuggets came out on top as they registered a close 120-113 victory over the Lakers at the Ball Arena.

The loss put an end to the Lakers’ three-match winning streak. Their record dropped to 37-25 as they sit at sixth place in the Western Conference standings and remain in contention for a direct playoff qualification.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets find themselves at fifth place in the standings with a 39-24 record and are now 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers. After a poor start in the first quarter that saw them down by as many as 10 points, the Lakers showed signs of improvement for the rest of the game but never managed to cut the gap.

LeBron James had an efficient night but recorded just 16 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Nikola Jokic posted another triple-double as he ended his night with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists.

While Luka Doncic remains the focal point of the team, James has shown no signs of slowing down since turning 41. The four-time champion is currently averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and seven assists.

However, James sustained an elbow injury in the fourth quarter when he drove to the basket while guarded by Jokic. James crashed to the floor and grimaced in pain as he tried to brace the fall with both arms. Officials ruled the contact marginal.

In his post-match locker-room interview, the Lakers star was left frustrated with the referees’ explanation of the no-call on Jokic.

It’s the same s—. ‘Marginal.’ It’s the same s—. It’s, it’s, it’s … whatever. That’s all they keep saying is, ‘marginal.’ I’m so f—ing tired of that word.

Referees often face backlash for their decisions, which is the nature of their job, especially in a contact sport like basketball. Their lack of consistency in calling fouls has been a matter of concern for a while now.

LeBron James gives an update on his elbow injury

Lakers fans would have had their hearts in their mouths after seeing James grimacing in pain. He initially grabbed both arms before the Lakers later confirmed the injury was a left elbow contusion. He did briefly exit the game before returning.

The 41-year-old gave an update on his elbow injury in his interview.

It’s pretty sore right now. It feels like a funny bone situation, but even more intense. Let’s see what happens over the next couple of days. Hopefully, I’ll wake up tomorrow, and it doesn’t feel too much worse than it is now. If it feels better, that’d be great.

LeBron James says his elbow is a "funny bone situation" but more intense. He is feeling sore right now.

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 6, 2026

The Lakers are scheduled to take on the Indiana Pacers at home on Friday in their second game of a back-to-back. With the Pacers having a poor season, the Lakers may opt to rest and let James recover.

Historic night for LeBron James as he breaks another record

The result may not have gone in James’ favor, but he did go on to break another record on Thursday night. Earlier in the first quarter, James knocked down a baseline turnaround jumper that pushed him past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in NBA history, reaching 15,838 career makes.

During his interview, James was asked about surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most FGM in league history.

At the end of the day, just my name being linked to some of the greatest that have ever played this game has always been humbling and it’s a pretty cool thing. I grew up watching, reading, idolizing a lot of the greats. If I was ever able to be a part of the NBA, I wanted to put myself in position where I could be named with some of the greats by doing something right. So that’s pretty cool.

LeBron James on breaking the record for most made field goals:

"At the end of the day, just my name being linked to some of the greatest that have ever played this game has always been humbling and it's a pretty cool thing. I grew up watching, reading, idolizing a lot of the…

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 6, 2026

James continues to break records in his record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA, and he does not look like he is going to hang up his boots anytime soon.

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