The Lakers faced the Jazz in what was LeBron James’ season debut for the franchise. While all eyes in the arena were fixed on LeBron, a significant number of their fans were also watching on their TV and league pass broadcasts at home. And they seemed to have seen something at the game that did not sit well with them.
During the second quarter, Austin Reaves threw a lob for Luka Doncic, which he failed to convert as a Jazz player fell on him, and he lost his balance and collapsed on the floor with him. After the play ended, Doncic was seen limping back to the other side of the court while complaining to the officials about the lack of a foul called on the play.
Lakers’ broadcasters Bill Macdonald and Stu Lantz were also covering the game live at the time.
“Luka’s limping a little bit at the other end, and he might be holding his knee a little bit,” said Bill Macdonald, the Lakers’ play-by-play announcer during the broadcast. “Did he hit his knees? Did they hit legs?”
“I think he’s more upset that he didn’t get the call,” said Lantz after MacDonald’s observation.
“I do too,” agreed Macdonald.
“As he comes down, a little bit of contact with the defender, but that can be serious,” acknowledged Lantz.
“He landed awkwardly, he landed awkwardly without question,” Macdonald further added.
“What a good play by George, he read that play all the way,” said Lantz in praise of Jazz’s Keyonte George for his defense on Luka.
“Luka is still holding his left knee, but I think you’re right, Stu; he’s more complaining to the officials than wanting to take himself out of the game,” said MacDonald as play resumed.
This exchange between the Lakers’ broadcasters did not sit well with fans at home, who felt that the Lakers’ broadcasters were being biased against their own team and thus not doing their work properly.
“Stu Lantz is negative about Luka Doncic the whole game, every single game. Hasn’t said a single negative thing about ANY Lakers player other than him tonight. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence. Clown show.”
“Bro Stu Lantz is such an opp.”
“No announcers get more excited when the other team scores than Bill Macdonald and Stu Lantz! Just dreadful.”
“Does Stu Lantz hate the Lakers or what? I swear, every game it seems like he’s rooting for every call to be against them.”
“Will Stu Lantz and Bill ever be in favor of the Lakers on a foul call? Hear every other team’s commentators be bias af to their teams every day is kinda annoying.”
Several such reactions flooded the internet as the Lakers’ broadcasters came under fire from fans. Doncic resumed playing normally and finished the half with 20 points, six assists, and three steals. Clearly, it wasn’t a serious injury.
Doncic finished the game with 37 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and four steals, while shooting 50% from the field. He does not deserve to be criticized like this when he is carrying the team’s offensive load on a nightly basis, as he now leads the league in scoring as well.
Considering what the opposing defenses resort to to stop him from scoring, in my opinion, he is allowed some room to complain to the officials about the physicality on the floor. And no team should be subject to seeing their own superstar criticized by their own broadcasters, who are supposed to hype up their plays even more.
