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[Saba Sports News] Luka Doncic wasn’t pleased with the officiating in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 111-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Monday. Throughout the game, Dončić frequently voiced his frustrations to the referees, and one particular moment gave him plenty of reason to be upset.
A viral clip on social media captured Nets center Nic Claxton shoving Dončić right in front of referee John Goble during the second quarter. Despite having a clear view of the incident, Goble chose not to call a foul, leaving many—especially Lakers fans—questioning the decision.
It was one of several officiating calls that didn’t go the Lakers’ way, and Dončić made his feelings known after the game.
“Yeah, I mean in the end… It was a lot. I think it wasn’t fair. But you just gotta play the game. I gotta keep playing the game, but it was a lot man, I ain’t gonna lie.”
“I’m not gonna say anything. You know? I think everybody saw the game, so they know what happened.”
Adding to the frustration, the Lakers attempted just two free throws in the first half compared to the Nets’ 16.
However, while officiating played a role in the loss, it wasn’t the primary reason the Lakers failed to secure the win. Sloppy execution and poor decision-making cost them dearly in a game that was well within their reach.
Head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his postgame assessment, criticizing his team’s lack of communication and effort. He pointed out that they allowed 16 offensive rebounds, gave up multiple uncontested three-pointers, and made costly mistakes on offense—such as calling for ball screens near half-court, which resulted in unnecessary turnovers.
Doncic himself was guilty of some of those errors, committing five turnovers and struggling with efficiency, finishing with 22 points (8-26 FG), 12 rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals. Austin Reaves also had a rough outing, posting 17 points (3-14 FG), eight rebounds, and 10 assists.
With LeBron James sidelined for at least another week or two, the Lakers will need Doncic and Reaves to step up to avoid slipping further in the standings.
The Lakers have now lost two straight, dropping to 40-23 on the season. Their upcoming schedule doesn’t get any easier, as they face the 36-28 Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET—a game that could further test their resilience in James’ absence.