Lakers' JJ Redick expressed frustration over perceived whistle favoritism towards Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during Game 2. The Lakers are now down 2-0 in the series, feeling disrespected by officiating.
Mentioned in this story
Lakers' JJ Redick voices frustration with Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander whistle favoritism originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are now down 2-0 in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In Game 2, there was plenty of tension between the referees and the Lakers.
Los Angeles knows it has its back against the wall. At times, the Lakers felt like the officials were working against them, and even Austin Reaves said he felt disrespected during the game.
It felt like it was going to be one of those nights from the beginning when head coach JJ Redick was assessed a technical foul for arguing foul calls. It happened early, allowing the referees to set the tone for the rest of the game.
“Lakers coach JJ Redick spent much of the night visibly upset with the officiating crew during a game filled with constant whistles, emotional swings and visible frustration from both teams. Early in the first quarter, Redick himself picked up a technical foul in the first quarter after erupting at referee Ben Taylor,”
JJ Redick voiced his frustration regarding perceived favoritism in officiating towards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the game.
The Lakers are currently down 2-0 in their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
JJ Redick received a technical foul early in the game for arguing foul calls made by the referees.
Sophie Cunningham expresses a desire for a long-term commitment from the Indiana Fever while acknowledging her emotional ties to the Phoenix Mercury. Her recent comments have sparked discussions about her future in the WNBA.
Phoenix Mercury claim Anneli Maley off waivers from New York Liberty
Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in Guardians' win over Twins
Yankees shut out 6-0 by Brewers in series opener; Fried struggles
Hockey roundup: Sandin-Pellikka scores highlight-reel goal; MSU adds assistant coach
Check out Hailey Van Lith's must-see pregame outfit for her debut with the Connecticut Sun!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
After the game, Redick did not hold back when discussing the officiating. The Lakers head coach even suggested that former MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets a favorable whistle at times.
“I sarcastically said the other day they were the most disruptive team without fouling. They have a few guys that foul on every possession, and all of the good defenses do. SGA get like a, I don't even know, a touch foul on a drive. There was a stretch where like four straight possessions our guys got absolutely clobbered,” Redick told the media.
It is clear that the Lakers feel like they are facing a massive challenge, especially when they believe officiating has not been consistent between both teams.
Gilgeous-Alexander has found ways to draw favorable whistles throughout the series, which is part of the reason the Lakers are frustrated. If that trend continues in Game 3, emotions could eventually boil over into an ejection. The Lakers will have to find a way to control what they can control moving forward.
More NBA news: