Getty
DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to his teammate during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting to stay out of the play-in. Right now, they sit fifth in the Western Conference standings. Yet, they have just a two-game lead on the seventh spot. Falling to seventh would mean participating in the play-in.
LeBron James is well aware of where the team sits in the standings. He understands that every little thing matters at this point in the season, and that includes officiating. The wrong call at the wrong time could cost a team points, and that could cost a team some wins.
James let it be known that he is frustrated with the lack of consistency in the NBA with officiating.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots the ball. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers Forward LeBron James Voices Frustration With Officiating
While speaking on the Mind the Game Podcast, James let it be known that he wants more consistency with the calls NBA referees are making.
“On any given night, you can have one official telling you, you know, one thing and then another official telling you another thing…some games you’re allowed to get away with completely bear hugging guys and holding them and then two nights later you can barely put your hands on guys.”
This frustration is something that some coaches have voiced around the league in press conferences. The Thunder is one team that was singled out for being officiated inconsistently. The Lakers don’t want that to be the case with any team.
James believes that there needs to be a higher level of consistency with the officials. However, James is certainly a player who has gotten the benefit of the doubt when it comes to some questionable calls. He is a superstar, and he certainly gets the superstar treatment from the officials.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James drives the ball. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
LeBron James Needs to Focus More on Playing Better With his Teammates
While having consistency with the officiating is important, James still needs to figure out a way to play better with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Lakers have been a better team with Doncic and Reaves on the floor together without James. James needs to fix that.
The Lakers are trying to make all of the pieces fit together. James has a player option at the end of the season, so he might not be on the roster next season. This could be the last chance that he has to win a championship while he is in Los Angeles. This is the best team he’s had around him since the 2020 title team.
LA has the ninth-best offense in the league. Now that the team is fully healthy, they have been building some more chemistry. James missed the first month of the season with his own injury. Keeping the three best offensive players on the team healthy is going to be key to them.
The Lakers are not considered big favorites to make a deep playoff run.