OKC Players Seen Laughing at Lakers After Heated Discussion With Referees Post Game

Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 125-107 Game 2 loss against the Thunder.

OKC Players Seen Laughing at Lakers After Heated Discussion With Referees Post Game

Lakers players arguing with the referee (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Lakers players expressed frustration over officiating after their 125-107 loss to the Thunder.
  • Thunder players were seen laughing during the Lakers' heated confrontation with referees.
  • Austin Reaves and LeBron James had multiple exchanges with officials, highlighting ongoing officiating issues.

The Los Angeles Lakers players, led by Austin Reaves and LeBron James, were left absolutely livid with the officiating in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Lakers had several calls go against them, while the Oklahoma City Thunder had decisions go in their favor.

It was a strong start for the Lakers as they kept up with the defending champions in the first half. However, things began to slip away in the second half, and they ended with a 125-107 defeat at the Paycom Center.

After the loss, Reaves and James confronted the officials and engaged in an intense exchange with them as the other teammates looked on. The Lakers believed that they got the worst of the calls on Thursday night. During the confrontation, Thunder players were seen watching and laughing amongst themselves.

This is not the first time the Lakers have had issues with the referees in the playoffs, and it certainly won’t be the last. Throughout the regular season, the Thunder have been accused by players and coaches of getting calls in their favor and also getting away with several no calls.

It was a frustrating night for LeBron James and Austin Reaves despite combining to score 54 points, as they were on the receiving end of most of the poor officiating. James was seen getting heated with the officials throughout the game.

While the Lakers talked to the officials during and after the game, the Thunder players stayed calm. To add to it, the home support may have played a role in the referees being more lenient to the Thunder. The Lakers will be hoping to have the same luxury in Games 3 and 4 as the series moves to LA.

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Austin Reaves lashed out at an official during Game 2

With Luka Doncic still sidelined, Austin Reaves was expected to carry the scoring burden alongside LeBron James. However, Reaves had a disappointing performance in Game 1 as he scored just eight points. But the Lakers guard bounced back strongly in Game 2 as he led the scorers with 31 points.

Despite his impressive scoring night, he was caught cursing at referee Goble in the final quarter of the game. Goble said something to Reaves that irked him. He said:

That’s some bulls**t for you to talk to me like that. P***y.

Both Reaves and James had multiple heated exchanges with the officials in Game 2. The Lakers will need to put it behind them as they find themselves 2-0 down in the series.

JJ Redick on the Thunder’s defense

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has gone on record and labeled the Thunder as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. They boast the best defense in the league and are known for playing some physical defense. But they have also been accused of often getting away with their physicality.

LeBron James arguing with the referee
LeBron James arguing with an official in Game 2 (Image credits – Underdog NBA/X)

Redick was given a technical foul during the game as he lashed out at an official during a timeout. After the game, the former player explained his frustrations.

I sarcastically said the other day that they were the most disruptive team without fouling. They have a few guys that foul on every possession, and all the good defenses do. [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] gets a touch foul on a drive. There was a stretch where four straight possessions our guys got absolutely clobbered. They’re are hard enough to play. You gotta be able to just call it if they foul and they do foul.

JJ Redick in his post-match press conference

Irrespective of what has happened, the Lakers need to reset and get ready for Games 3 and 4 at home. They trail 2-0 in the series and will need to bounce back strongly to level the series. It remains to be seen if all the noise will have any effect on the referees in the next two games.

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