Lakers called a successful challenge but ended up losing points after it

LEBRON James admitted he had never seen a controversial decision like the one that was made in Saturday’s chaotic showdown.

James scored 40 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in a losing effort against the Golden State Warriors.

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James had a three-pointer chalked off after he apparently stepped out of boundsCredit: Getty
But the game descended into chaos after a shot clock malfunction led to a 20-minute delay.

The final moments of Saturday’s clash at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California seemed to last an eternity.

It wasn’t helped by a string of replay reviews – one of which resulted in the Lakers losing points.

With 1:50 to play and Los Angeles down by four points, coach Darvin Ham challenged an out-of-bounds call.

The Warriors were given possession after Jaxson Hayes and Andrew Wiggins both went for a rebound.

Ham won the challenge and a jump ball was called for by officials.

But, while that play was being reviewed, so was another one from earlier.

Officials determined that James stepped out of bounds on a three-point shot with 2:07 to play.

So, although the Lakers won the out-of-bounds challenge, they ended up having three points chalked off the board.

“I’ve never seen that be called before like that in that particular time,” James admitted afterwards.

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“That was kind of weird. It took some momentum away from us.

“I didn’t believe I stepped on the line, obviously. I knew how much space I had over there.

“And when I shoot, I shoot on my tippy toes, so it’s kind of hard for me to have a heel down.”

Crew chief David Guthrie explained the little-known rule after Saturday’s incident-packed game.

He said, “James’ left foot is out of bounds as he begins to shoot.

“Yes, it is reviewable at that time. The rule is Rule 13, Section II(f)(3): Whether the shooter committed a boundary line violation, the replay center official will only look at the position of the player’s feet at the moment they touch the floor immediately prior to the release of the shot.

“This can be applied during other replay triggers as well.”

Golden State went on to secure a 128-121 victory to leapfrog Los Angeles into ninth place in the Western Conference.