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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Washington Wizards 125-120 to extend their winning streak to three games and improved their regular season record to 44-33 with just five games remaining ahead of the 2024 NBA playoffs. However, a controversial incident occurred during Wednesday's clash at the Capital One Arena, where Lakers star forward LeBron James was heard cursing a referee for receiving no call after getting fouled.
Lakers center Anthony Davis racked up 35 points, 18 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals while shooting 15/15 from the free-throw line. AD is followed by LeBron James, who registered 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.
During the first half, LeBron was fouled by his former Lakers teammate Kyle Kuzma as he was driving to the basket. Despite getting the bucket, King James was visibly furious with the officials for not giving a call on the foul. In a leaked audio from the game, LeBron was heard cursing the referee as he said, "Call the f*cking foul, b*tch a** n****"
Watch LeBron James cursing referee:
LeBron elbows Deni Avdija in the face
Despite abusing the referee, LeBron was lucky to avoid ejection or any technical foul for his misconduct. Soon after the no-call, LeBron was again on the receiving end of a flagrant 1 foul by Wizards forward Deni Avdija, however, the referees continued the play. This sequence infuriated LeBron, who went on for a drive and elbowed Avdija in the face as the referees called a flagrant 1 foul on the Lakers star forward.
Watch the video here:
The Lakers won the game and managed a 20-8 record in their last 28 matches. However, last season's Western Conference runners-up are still lingering in the play-in spot. With just five games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers have managed the ninth spot in the WC standings with a 44-33 record.
The Lakers will play their next three games at home against the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Warriors followed by their two road games against the Grizzlies and Pelicans to end the 2023-24 regular season.
