Warriors’ Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr Criticize Referees After Double-OT Loss to Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers attempted 43 free throws, in contrast to the Golden State Warriors’ 16 attempts.

The Los Angeles Lakers edged the Golden State Warriors in an epic double-overtime battle Saturday night in San Francisco.

However, one of the big storylines coming out of the 145–144 Lakers victory was the discrepancy in free throws. The Lakers attempted 43 free throws in contrast to the Warriors’ 16 attempts.

After the game, Golden State guard Stephen Curry was clearly frustrated about the officiating and discussed what he believes is a recurring issue when his team opposes the Lakers.

“I mean we’ve had this conversation, especially playing against them, they draw a lot of fouls,” Curry told reporters afterward. “Tonight’s just one of those where it’s just not consistent. That’s the most frustrating part, because you want to be in a place where the players decide the game.”

Curry went on to explain how he thought there were at least three plays involving him in that resulted in “bad calls,” although he didn’t elaborate.

Steph on the officiating tonight:

“Tonight’s just one of those where it’s just not consistent, and that’s the most frustrating part because you want to be in a place where the players decide the game. It’s either the players decide the game, or it’s consistent on both ends of… pic.twitter.com/zAl9O6PUJc

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 28, 2024

Warriors coach Steve Kerr seemed to be just as frustrated but he kept his postgame comments on the matter relatively close to the vest.

“I might comment on the free throws, but my mom is here, so I want to be on my best behavior,” Kerr told reporters. “So I’m not going to comment on their 43 free throws to our 16. I’m not going to comment on Steph shooting three free throws in 43 minutes.”

Steve Kerr on the Lakers 43-16 free throw differential

“I might comment on the free throws that they shot but my mom is here right now and I want to be on my best behavior… I’m not gonna comment on Steph shooting three free throws in 43 minutes.”

“I’m not gonna comment on… pic.twitter.com/PByM0g7B2q

— KNBR (@KNBR) January 28, 2024

Curry scored a game-high 46 points for Golden State, and LeBron James led the Lakers with 36 points.