Lakers Ripped For Controversial Win

The Lakers have faced criticism for their one-point win over the Raptors after LA shot 23 free throws in the fourth quarter. "It's outrageous. What happened tonight, this is completely B.S. 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," head coach Darko Rajakovic said after the game. With the loss, the Raptors fell to 15-22 on the season.

Across the entire game, the Lakers were awarded 46 free throws. Anthony Davis alone attempted more free throws (14) than the entirety of the Raptors roster (13). "How [is it] possible that Scottie Barnes, who is All-Star-caliber player in this league, he goes every single time to the rim with force and trying to get to the rim without flopping and not trying to get foul calls, he gets two free throws for a whole game? How are you going to explain that to me?" Rajakovic added. The NBA has not yet addressed the officiating.

LeBron Says Bronny Could Play For The Lakers

The Lakers' win was their second in a row, marking the first time they have won back-to-back games since the In-Season Tournament. However, the two wins have only been good enough to move them back to .500. Amid his frustrations with the team, LeBron James claimed that his son Bronny, a freshman at USC, could start for the Lakers. “He could play for us right now. Easy. EASY," LeBron said, according to The Guardian.

Bronny played a season-high 20 minutes against Stanford in USC's latest game. However, the freshman's impact was minimal. He had 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals in the 93-79 win. The win moved the Trojans to 8-7 and marked their first back-to-back wins since November 23. USC next face Washington State on January 10. Meanwhile, the Lakers are next in action against Phoenix on January 11.

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