LeBron disputes ruling on final shot as Lakers fall to Wolves - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — After a potential game-tying shot by LeBron James in the waning seconds Saturday was ruled a two-pointer rather than a 3-pointer following a video review, James expressed frustration after the Los Angeles Lakers lost 108-106 to the Minnesota Timberwolves and questioned the efficacy of the NBA's replay process.

«What the hell do we got replay for?» James said as he sat back in his chair inside the visitor's locker room at Target Center. «What do we have replay for if even the replay gets it wrong? It's just like, who is a part of the replay center? Like, do we got robots in there making Teslas? Like, what's going on?»

James' transition shot from the left wing with 2.3 seconds left would have tied the score at 107-107, completing a furious rally by L.A. after the Lakers fell down by seven in the final minutes to the No. 1 team in the West. However, referee Brent Barnaky determined James' toe was on the 3-point line when he shot it, thus making the shot only worth two points.

During an ensuing timeout, James pointed to a monitor at center court to plead his case to the referees while the sequence was being analyzed at the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. James told officials that his sneaker was not touching the 3-point line.

«I mean, it's obvious it's a 3,» James said. «My foot is behind the line. I mean, you can see the space in between the front of my foot and the 3-point line. You can clearly a white [space]. The wood on the floor. There's a space in between the front of my foot and the 3-point line.… Stevie Wonder can see that.»

Crew chief Tony Brothers, speaking to a pool reporter after the game, explained why the initial two-point call was not overturned.

«The play was ruled a two-point field