LeBron James, the standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers, is certain that his game-winning 3-pointer should have been declared toward the conclusion of their Saturday contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the NBA L2M Report makes a different claim.

For those who missed it, James seemed to be able to tie the Timberwolves game with 2.3 seconds remaining after he sank what looked to be a triple. To the star player’s amazement, the referee called it as a 2-pointer at first, and after reviewing the shot again, the officials decided not to reverse the call.

James, however, objected to the call, stating that it was evident from the video that he was not stepping on the 3-point line prior to jumping for the basket. The NBA community was divided over it as well, with many pointing out that the Lakers forward had a strong case—albeit a very slim one.

However, the NBA L2M Report backed the referee’s call of James’ shot as a 2-pointer. There was “no basis to overturn that ruling,” according to the report, since “there was not clear and conclusive visual evidence that the on-court ruling was incorrect.”The video shows James’ right foot moving forward till the toe of his shoe makes contact with the three-point line as he lifts his heels to leap for his shot. The L2M Report went on, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “A player may not touch the three-point line until after his shot is released in order for his shot to be scored a three-point field goal.”LeBron James and the Lakers would have knotted the game at 107 all and very likely forced overtime if the shot had been called a triple. The contentious choice essentially sapped the Purple and Gold team’s enthusiasm and stamina, as they ultimately lost 108-106. It was really discouraging.

LeBron James vocal on disappointment over toe-on-line call

As expected, LeBron James will not be happy with the league’s answer. He even campaigned after the race, claiming that he had made a triple, since he was so angry and disappointed with the course of events.”Why bother having a replay if even it makes a mistake? Clearly, it’s a 3. I’m stepping over the boundary. The distance between the front of my foot and the 3-point line is visible. James said, “Champ, Stevie Wonder could see that,” at the Lakers’ locker room postgame media scrum, as reported by Michael Corvo of ClutchPoints. 

It’s quite annoying because you’re thinking, “What the Һell do we have replay for if even the replay makes a mistake?” What people work at the replay center? Similar to the robots manufacturing Teslas there? Is that what’s happening? It’s obvious; anyone could see it. It is nonsensical, therefore. And that’s a tie game; we’re now facing the best team in the West and battling for our lives.”James also posted evidence on Instagram showing that, when attempting the triple, his foot—and shoe—was behind the line. He then highlighted how the referees spoiled his birthday in a fairly explicit caption. James was enjoying his 39th birthday on Saturday, thus the decision severely damaged the chances of an exciting and heated overtime match.LeBron and the Lakers wouldn’t have benefited much from the L2M report’s findings, even if they had supported James. Having said that, all the squad can do is hope for better success the next time.