LeBron James of the Lakers and Raptors coach Darko RajakovicNBA

The last quarter of the meeting between the Lakers and the Raptors risks being talked about for a few more days, since it was marked by a major refereeing scandal. After the match, Toronto coach Darko Rajaković lit without thinking, and he risks a fairly hefty fine in exchange.

It seems that the biggest players and the biggest teams can have some advantages on the field, such as leniency from the referees. A theory which could be verified for the Lakers this Tuesday during the reception of the Raptors at the Crypto.com Arena. LeBron James and his partners won by a small point, and in the decisive last quarter, they had 23 free throws in their favor, compared to two for their opponents.

If a match is not decided on a single refereeing decision, the accumulation was indeed quite handicapping for Toronto. Beyond the points offered to the Purple and Gold, it is very difficult to find a rhythm when the game is choppy like this. Unsurprisingly, it was a pissed-off Darko Rajaković who showed up at the press conference, and he lit everyone up:

The Raptors coach is killing the league and the Lakers!

The difference in free throws is shocking! What happened this evening is a complete scandal! It’s a shame ! A shame for the referees and a shame for the league, which allows this kind of behavior. They really had 23 shots in the last quarter, and we only had 2… How do you want to play?! I understand that we have to respect the All-Stars and the big franchises, but we also have stars on this team!

How is it possible that Scottie Barnes, who is an All-Star level player, who always attacks the basket with force and conviction, who never tries to exaggerate the contacts, only goes to the line twice in the entire game? ! How to explain it? Should the Lakers win tonight? If this is the case you have to tell us before, so we don’t even come. May they give them victory. This match was unfair.

Darko Rajaković was very upset after the questionable defeat of his players, so he decided to let it all out at a press conference. He knew he was going to get his $25,000 fine, so he made every penny lost by denouncing the referees, the league, but also the behavior of the Lakers, who can have a tendency to exaggerate contact. The coach emptied his pockets, but gained the respect of many observers.

this is a good coach btw

— SUNDOG🦠☀️ (@sundognation) January 10, 2024
That’s a good coach by the way

This victory against the Raptors allowed the Lakers to regain a balanced record with 19 victories and 19 defeats, but it will remain marked by controversy. And despite the disappointing result for him, Darko Rajaković may have definitely won the hearts of his players and fans.