Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic was awarded a pair of free throw attempts after arguing a foul call during the third quarter of Friday night’s 128-121 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Luka Doncic Changed Call To Shooting Foul
While driving with the ball just outside the paint, Doncic appeared to wave his arms up in the air just as Grizzlies big man Jock Landale was whistled for a common foul.
The initial call was no shot attempt, and the Lakers would retain possession.
However, after the play ended, Doncic started making his case to a nearby ref that he was fouled in the act of shooting. Within seconds of the officials talking it over, the call was changed to a shooting foul.
An announcer commented that Doncic was the only one deliberating.
Players in the past have attempted to argue a call with the officials, but the refs would always refuse to overturn the call and/or issue the complaining players a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Doncic Led Lakers To Victory
Doncic ended his night with 34 points — half on free throws — to go with six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 37 minutes of action.
He finished 8-for-18 (44.4%) shooting from the field, 1-of-7 (14.3%) from 3-point range, and 17-of-20 (85%) from the foul line.
LeBron James added 31 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Doncic and James dominated the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 12-2 run to help the Lakers secure the victory.
In addition, Jake LaRavia had 21 points on 8-of-12 (66.7%) shooting and nine rebounds for the Purple and Gold.
Although the Grizzlies were missing six players, including Zach Edey (stress reaction in left ankle), they had six players in double figures. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 25 points to lead Memphis.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20 points, while Ja Morant had 16 points and 11 assists coming off his 40-point game in an overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies, however, have now dropped four of six.
The teams will meet again Sunday in Los Angeles.
