The Los Angeles Lakers were upset 100-97 by the Charlotte Hornets last night. One of the key turning points during the game came in the third quarter when Austin Reaves received his second technical foul and was ejected from the game. Speaking to reporters after the game, Reaves wondered out loud what he did that was so egregious to get him tossed, as he has seen other players protest just like he did.
“I get the first [technical]. Obviously, I approached him, I vocally said what I needed to say. The second one, I was surprised. I’m walking away and as soon as I heard the whistle, I kinda knew what had happened. I felt like it was quick… Vando told me after the game that Rodney said I said it [F-word] three times. So I guess that third time is the charm of getting that second tech…”
“I just don’t know the fine line. I’ve been in the league for four years now, and I’ve heard many things said to the refs from certain people and nothing is done. But when it is unexpected from somebody, that’s when I guess the biggest issues happen. Like I said, I gotta be better. I don’t need to put myself in that position. I felt like he missed the call. I don’t know because I haven’t seen it. I gotta be better.”
The call was a controversial one. LeBron James defended Austin Reaves after the game and even claimed that his ejection caused the Lakers squad to deflate, which may have played a part in their loss tonight. James’ words may be subject to scrutiny, but there is no denying that the all from official Rodney Mott was a controversial one.
Austin Reaves Floundered Before Ejection
The call to toss Austin Reaves from the game may not have been the correct one, but no one can assuredly say that Reaves staying on the court would have helped the Lakers win. Prior to getting ejected, Reaves played 27 minutes, and put up just eight points (3-9 FG), two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks, along with three costly turnovers in what had been an all-around poor performance from the Lakers.
The Lakers led the Hornets by as many as 13 points during the game, but they played some really poor defense while also not producing well offensively, and it cost them the game. LeBron James did his best with his 26-point outing, but the rest of the squad just didn’t seem to show up, as they looked lethargic on the court coming off of the All-Star break.
The Lakers now sit fifth in the West with a 32-21 record. The men in purple and gold must fight to try and win 18 of their next 28 games to try and get a 50-win season for the first time in almost five years. The last time the Lakers won 50 games in a season, they won the NBA championship. At the very least, another 50-win season sets them up well in the playoffs to make a run.
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