LeBron James and the LA Lakers welcomed the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. “The King” was involved in a controversial play midway through the third quarter against Jaren Jackson Jr. NBA fans reacted to James not getting called for a foul despite hitting Jackson in the face.
With around six minutes left in the third quarter and the game tied at 75, Jackson lost the ball against James. The two players jumped for it and scrambled on the floor, with the 39-year-old star recovering the rock.
However, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins stormed the court and stopped the play after James hit Jackson in the face. Jenkins was called for a technical foul for interference as the crowd applauded.
Here’s the video of the controversial play:
NBA fans quickly reacted to the incident on social media, referencing Draymond Green, who is suspended indefinitely after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face. LeBron James did hit Jaren Jackson Jr. in the face during the loose ball, but the Memphis Grizzlies big was holding James’ arm.
Taylor Jenkins’ reaction was perhaps warranted, and it was an interesting situation given that it was a close game as well. Nevertheless, fans couldn’t help but bring Draymond Green in comparison to one of his close friends.
One fan commented:
“Draymond gets thrown in prison for that.”
Another fan wrote:
“If that was Draymond, that would be a 5-game suspension.”
This fan had the most sensible remark:
“He was holding onto LeBron but LeBron should t have elbowed him in the face either.”
Here are the rest of the reactions to the controversial no-call:
