The Los Angeles Lakers faced a narrow defeat in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets, prompting LeBron James and other players to criticize the officiating. James expressed frustration with the replay center’s decisions, citing a controversial foul call against Michael Porter Jr. on D’Angelo Russell as a pivotal moment in the game.
The Lakers held a 10-point lead late in the third quarter when the foul was overturned, impacting Russell’s free throw attempts. This decision became even more significant as Denver secured a two-point victory with Jamal Murray’s buzzer-beater, seizing a 2-0 series lead.
Despite the Lakers’ concerns about officiating, they also grappled with Anthony Davis’ foul trouble, which limited his impact on the game. Davis’ absence during crucial moments allowed Denver to mount a comeback from a 20-point deficit, with Murray and Nikola Jokic leading the charge.
As the series heads to Los Angeles for Game 3, the Lakers aim to reverse their fortunes and break their losing streak against the Nuggets. Davis emphasized the importance of winning Game 3, while Russell expressed confidence in the team’s resilience.
Although the Lakers showed resilience and competitiveness in Game 2, there are areas for improvement, including missed opportunities on offense and defensive lapses. James stressed the need to focus on Game 3 and make necessary adjustments to secure a victory on their home court.
