NBA Admits: Lakers’ Luka Dončić Missed Crucial Foul Call in Game 4 Heartbreaker

NBA Admits Missed Call as Lakers Fall in Game 4: Doncic Tripped, No Whistle

The NBA confirmed Monday that officials missed a critical foul on the Lakers’ Luka Doncic with just 33 seconds remaining in their Game 4 playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Trailing 114-113, Doncic was tripped near midcourt by Jaden McDaniels—an illegal move the NBA later acknowledged in its Last Two Minute Report. Though Doncic kept possession and the Lakers called timeout to avoid a turnover, the no-call cost them a chance at free throws that could’ve swung the game.

“I got tripped, for sure,” Doncic said plainly.

It wasn’t the only costly officiating error on Sunday. In the Knicks-Pistons Game 4, the NBA also admitted that New York’s Josh Hart fouled Detroit’s Tim Hardaway Jr. on a buzzer-beating 3-point attempt that could’ve changed the outcome. No foul was called, and the Knicks escaped with a 94-93 win.

Back in L.A., the drama continued as LeBron James questioned another late call. With 10.9 seconds left, James appeared to strip the ball from Anthony Edwards, but referees ruled it a foul. The NBA later stood by that call, saying James hit Edwards’ wrist.

Austin Reaves’ final 3-point attempt missed, sealing a 117-114 loss for L.A. and a 3-1 series lead for Minnesota. Game 5 heads back to Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, with the Lakers’ season on the line.