There’s even more LeBron James controversy after last night’s In-Season Tournament game. The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Phoenix Suns, and a late fourth-quarter timeout proved divisive in the basketball community.

Was LeBron James’ Timeout Legal?

The internet is currently divided with the 19-time All-Star’s call for a timeout. This was seemingly after Austin Reaves lost control of the ball, which shouldn’t be legal. However, the call went off anyway, and the Lakers eventually won the game 106-103, where one possession could have made a difference.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 05: LeBron James #23 talks with Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in front of Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half during the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals at Crypto.com Arena on December 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Initially, many questioned the call and took to X (formerly Twitter) to air their grievances. Even Kevin O’Connor thought the timeout was terrible.

Not only that but Devin Booker instantly took to Instagram to question the call.

Furthermore, Suns head coach Frank Vogel doesn’t like the illegal call made in favor of the 38-year-old and his team. He argues that it was a loose ball and that you never call a timeout during a loose ball.

One can hear the coach’s frustration, especially with such a big match to decide who gets to advance in the In-Season Tournament.
“You know, the ball’s out and he called timeout on a loose ball. Can’t call timeout on a loose ball. I don’t know why that can’t be reviewable. The refs can huddle up and say ‘Inadvertent whistle, where were we at during the game?’ And that didn’t happen.”

Frank Vogel told reporters after the game
Some fans commented their support about how the call was ridiculous.

Kevin Durant Doesn’t Care

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant stays in his lane and accepts that it’s all said and done. He’s staying focused on the ball game, and this single call shouldn’t have been a game-winner or game-ender.

Many fans appreciate the two-time NBA champion’s take, especially considering it was a close loss.

Furthermore, the games within the In-Season Tournament have hyped Durant up due to their high-octane competition.

He even picks the Lakers as the final winners for the event due to how the team defeated them.
“I’m going with the Lakers since they beat us, they have the size to compete with anybody. I can’t wait to watch. The intensity of these games has been incredible. I wasn’t a fan when they were forming this thing but now I’m a huge fan of the In-Season Tournament.”

Kevin Durant said postgame
It’s interesting to see how players are slowly warming up to the idea of the competition. It’s even motivating Anthony Davis to play to help the bench players get even more money.

This missed call is still causing a rift within the basketball community, though. However, many agree that it was a close call—but it was a legal one.

Meanwhile, Ime Udoka got tired of James’ “b—hing” and called him out for it in another game.