Lakers News: Raptors Coach Claims NBA Rigged Game For LA

The ending of the game was a little strange.

Your 19-19 Los Angeles Lakers pulled out a much-needed victory on Tuesday evening over the 15-22 Toronto Raptors. It was a battle to the very end, but the ending came was some controversy. 

L.A. won the game by a score of 132-131, but after the fact, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic laid into the referees. He was angry with the free throw disparity that the Lakers had over his team.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic rips the officials after loss to the Lakers pic.twitter.com/nWHty7B9Ot

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 10, 2024

The Lakers had 36 free throws in the game, while Toronto only shot 13. Star big man Anthony Davis had 14 free throw shots alone, helping make Rajakovic's case.

“It’s outrageous. What happened tonight, this is completely B.S.,” Rajakovic said. “This is shame. Shame for the referees. Shame for the league to allow this. Twenty-three free throws for them, and we get two free throws in the fourth quarter? Like, how to play the game? I understand respect for All-Stars and all that, but we have star players on our team as well.”

Per Greg Beacham of The Associated Press

The Lakers used their size advantage throughout the game, and it resulted in a lot of free throws. Rajakovic seemed to insinuate that the refs may have rigged the game for the Lakers.

“They had to win tonight? If that’s the case, just let us know, so we don’t show up for the game,” Rajakovic said. “Just give them a win. But that was not fair tonight. And this is not happening first time for us. Scottie Barnes is gonna be (an) All-Star. He’s gonna be the face of this league, and what’s happening over here during whole season … it’s complete crap.”

Per Greg Beacham of The Associated Press

The Lakers hit their free throws down the stretch of the game, otherwise, they likely would have lost. They've been good about drawing fouls once again this season, but these comments from Rajakovic likely won't go over well with the league office.