Nearly a month removed from a pivotal foul call in game four of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Los Angeles Lakers first-round playoff series, Lebron James is still in awe of the NBA’s camera work on that replay.
On the latest Mind the Game Podcast with Steve Nash, which drops tomorrow, James expressed (hilariously) disbelief at the overhead angle that changed a critical out-of-bounds play.
“I know this is kid of off topic, but there was a piece of camera work in the postseason of our game in Minnesota that I have never seen in my F****** life,” James said.
Minnesota was leading 114-113 with 10.1 seconds left when young star Anthony Edwards appeared to have lost the ball out of bounds. It was initially ruled Lakers ball. However, after a challenge from Chris Finch, it was revealed that James made physical contact on the swipe attempt.
“The strip on Ant, I’ve never seen that computer work in my life,” James added.
After the call, Edwards made two free throws to help Minnesota win 116-113 and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Timberwolves went on to finish the Lakers in five games, but that singular call might have changed the trajectory of the series.
"That play happens all the time, you know. Hand is part of the ball, that's what they say," he said. "I felt like a hand was a part of that ball. I was able to get his hand on top of the ball, the ball stripped down, and out on his hands. Seen that play over and over before, but it is what it is."
While James did have a case for his argument, as there are instances of hand contact resulting in a no-call, the NBA determined he hit Edwards’ wrist.
When the referees reviewed the play, a specific angle was used from above the court, and it was one that has rarely ever been seen, if ever.
“Where the F*** did that camera come from,” James added. “It was like some forensic files type S***. I was like what the F*** is this?”