NBA Admits Big Missed Call in Lakers-Grizzlies

The NBA has released a Last Two Minute Report for Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts to an official after being called for a foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks  during the second half at State Farm Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts to an official after being called for a foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies played an exciting game on Wednesday night. While Memphis was without Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and several other key players, it put up a good fight against LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the rest of LA’s squad.

While the Lakers were able to create some separation in the fourth quarter, Memphis continued to battle back and make things interesting in the final minutes. Because this game was close down the stretch, the NBA has released a Last Two Minute Report that details one big missed call.

With the Lakers leading 124-117 in the final minute of the game, the NBA said Marcus Smart should have been called for a personal foul against James.

“Smart (MEM) reaches in and initiates contact with James' (LAL) arm, which causes him to lose his balance and control of the ball,” the NBA wrote.

LeBron James and Marcus Smart
Nov 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) at Crypto.com Arena. / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

This would have sent James to the free throw line, as LA was in the bonus, but the Lakers instead came away empty on that possession. 

Winning the game regardless of this big missed call, the Lakers were able to hold off the Grizzlies’ late push. That said, this was still a big miss given the time and score.

The win pushed the Lakers to 7-4 on the season while the Grizzlies dropped to 7-5.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.